As part of the meeting preceding the Conference of the Parties, the COP31 presidency, which will take place in Antalya in November, also urged for strengthening international cooperation to accelerate measures in favor of oceans and seas.
Government leaders, international organizations, representatives of academic circles, civil society, and the private sector gathered on Thursday and today in the city in northeastern Turkey to help define the agenda for COP31, whose 'Agenda for Action' considers oceans and seas a priority.
In its statement, the COP31 presidency announced that the Action Platform is designed to develop proven solutions in various countries and regions, linking these projects with necessary knowledge, technical support, and funding.
Despite the fact that countries and organizations worldwide 'are already taking action against marine debris,' the presidency noted that knowledge, successful approaches, and funding opportunities 'remain fragmented,' so the platform is intended to bridge this gap.
The platform will create a knowledge-sharing network where 'successful projects and technical approaches can be exchanged.' Furthermore, a digital registry of actions against marine debris in different countries and regions will be established to 'raise awareness of successful initiatives.'
According to COP31, this initiative will connect marine debris fighting projects with 'necessary financial and technical support' to establish 'stronger and faster links' between project initiators and potential partners.
This initiative unites two priorities of the COP31 presidency: oceans and seas, on one hand, and the concept of 'Zero Waste Blue,' on the other.
The COP31 presidency also presented the 'Trabzon Call for Consensus, Dialogue, and Action,' which adopted a 'commitment to achieve tangible and applicable results regarding oceans and seas at COP31.'
This document calls for 'greater resource mobilization' to accelerate action in the interest of oceans and seas, which is a 'fundamental priority' for COP31 and the sector that plays a 'vital role as a carbon sink' and in combating climate change.
Murat Kurum, appointed as the COP31 president and Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of Turkey, stated: 'Protecting the oceans is a responsibility we all share.'
The work started now will continue during the United Nations General Assembly at the Climate Week in New York, as well as at Pre-COP in the Fiji Islands—which will include a special component of leaders from Tuvalu—and will conclude at COP31 in Antalya in November.