How to sustain the on-going All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation cooperation in the long-term?

Dear excellencies,
Norway extends a heartfelt thanks to the Portuguese presidency for its tireless will to underline the importance of our oceans.
The oceans will play a significant role in the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Research for the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy – where Portugal plays a very important part – shows that every euro invested in sustainable ocean-related initiatives – yields 5 euros in return, often more. A blue boost to our global recovery efforts will reduce carbon emissions, enhance food security and diets, build resilience, and create more sustainable jobs.

Yet, the oceans are under stress. Blue Growth must be based on sustainable ocean management and the best available scientific knowledge.

I believe we should use all the platforms that are available to us to connect, act, and co-operate.
It makes me optimistic when I see Nofima, in the North of Norway, co-ordinate a huge EU-financed project for sustainable low-trophic species aquaculture with 35 Atlantic partners.
We must uphold our long-standing cooperation through JPI Oceans. It's a success. In no small measure thanks to Portugal.
We must strengthen platforms that have proven very valuable – OSPAR, ICES and the regional fisheries management organisations.
Looking to the future, the UN Decade of Ocean Science will address important challenges. EU's Green Deal and Horizon Europe will be important
mechanisms for joint problem-solving in the Atlantic.

Echoing Minister Maria Cristina Messa from Italy, Norway greatly values our close cooperation in bringing the pan-European Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership forward. The partnership will be implemented in cooperation with the European Commission and will play a major role in transforming Europe in the marine and maritime field.

To move forward, we need more knowledge. But this must not be an excuse for not acting now.
We must continue to reduce pollution, cut emissions, combat marine litter, and combat trans-national organized crime in fisheries.
Mobilizing the civil society is key to succeeding. That's why I would like to close by saluting the Plastic Pirate-initiative. Similar initiatives in Norway has shown that it's a great way to tap the young generation's interest for the oceans.

Together, we can give a blue boost to the economy while safeguarding the ocean, and thus building resilience against future crises.

Thank you for your attention!