The people of Ireland contribute to Mission Starfish 2030
23 September 2020 - The Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters will this week present its interim report Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters to the European Commission.
Empowering and inspiring European citizens to become citizens of the sea is one of the key goals of the European Commission's Mission for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters. Last month the Marine Institute and the European Commission invited the people of Ireland to contribute to this proposed mission by completing an online survey to share their views on a better, bluer future.
More than 1,000 people across the island of Ireland completed the survey and shared what they believe are the top priorities for the health of our ocean and inland waters, and how we can sustainably use and benefit from our marine and aquatic resources.
Thanking the people of Ireland for their support with the survey, Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute said, "Knowing, restoring and protecting our ocean and waters is one of the defining endeavours of our time and the Marine Institute welcomes this proposed mission. We thank the people of Ireland for engaging with this mission and outlining their priorities for achieving a healthy ocean. Accomplishing this mission is a shared responsibility, and is only possible with the full support of science and people."
The Mission for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters aims to create a community of citizens who value the oceans and waters and want to engage in the Mission's goals to know, restore and protect our ocean and waters; and to enjoy them and care for them collectively, by 2030.
Inspired by the shape of the starfish, the Mission has five overarching objectives: filling the knowledge and emotional gap, regenerating marine and freshwater ecosystems, zero pollution, decarbonising our ocean and waters, and revamping governance. These five objectives are mutually supportive and taken together, the Mission Starfish 2030 will enable the restoration of the water cycle as a whole.
The Mission is guided by a Mission Board, consisting of a broad range of experts from innovation, research and policymaking. Long-standing ocean ambassador and retired CEO of the Marine Institute, Dr Peter Heffernan, is Ireland's representative on the Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters.
Speaking on behalf of the Mission Dr Heffernan said, "The Mission Board is delighted with the huge response from the people of Ireland, and for supporting our mission for healthy oceans and seas. Regenerating our ocean and waters is vital for human existence, wellbeing and our livelihoods, and citizens are crucial to achieving this mission."
The Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters is presenting Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters to the European Commission at the European Research and Innovation Days from 22 – 24 September 2020. To view the report visit https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/mission-starfish-2030-restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en
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For more information, please contact:
Sinéad Coyne e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Sheila Byrnes e. sheila.byrnes@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 815 5271