Singapore’s Foreign Minister urges greater global efforts to protect marine environments
SINGAPORE – The United Nations must urgently intensify efforts to protect the oceans and combat the impacts of climate change, according to Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, speaking at the Second United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon on Tuesday (Jun 28).
During his working visit to Lisbon from Jun 27 to Jul 2, Dr Balakrishnan delivered Singapore’s national statement at the event. He highlighted that Singapore would renew its 10 voluntary commitments made at the first UN Oceans Conference and introduce nine new initiatives.
As part of these efforts, Singapore will roll out three major environmental research projects aimed at enhancing ocean knowledge. These projects include sustainable marine fish population management, solar energy applications to promote coral growth, and a marine climate change science programme.
Dr Balakrishnan also announced Singapore’s leadership in the transition to eco-friendly ship fuel, alongside its active role in promoting green finance and advancing carbon accounting in the maritime industry. The country is incentivising shipowners to adopt energy-efficient technologies and low or zero-carbon fuels, through the award of the Singapore Registry of Ships Green Notation.
Additionally, the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), launched in 1992 to share development expertise, will offer three specialised courses this year focusing on the International Law of the Sea, Coastal Biodiversity Management under Urbanisation, and Environmental Conservation & Sustainability. Over the past 30 years, the SCP has trained more than 1,000 participants from over 100 countries through over 50 ocean-related courses.
Dr Balakrishnan emphasised that ocean conservation must operate under the framework of international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which he described as a dynamic and adaptable framework for ocean governance.
He stressed the importance of basing UN member nations’ efforts on scientific data, particularly in recognising the ocean-climate nexus—how climate change impacts the ocean’s health and how the ocean regulates the global climate.
Multilateral cooperation, Dr Balakrishnan stated, is essential for effective ocean governance, underscoring the need for a coordinated, rules-based approach in managing the oceans. He also highlighted the ongoing negotiations for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, which is grounded in UNCLOS and aims to enhance global cooperation, conservation, and sustainability.
Singapore, as the President of the BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference, is committed to leading efforts towards an ambitious, future-proof treaty. Dr Balakrishnan reminded delegates of the fundamental importance of oceans for all nations, not just island states, pointing out their role in providing food, jobs, and enabling global trade, as well as their crucial impact on the climate and biodiversity.
