"I am aware that our water territory is larger than the land area. We are all aware that the world`s water territories are larger than the land territories. I and all of us are aware that the sea, ocean are our future," President Jokowi noted in his opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the fifth Our Ocean Conference (OOC), here, Monday.
Some 90 percent of the world`s total trade by volume and over 40 percent of the total global trade by value were carried out via maritime routes.
The livelihoods of hundreds of million people rely on the fishery sector.
On the other hand, oceans are facing huge challenges, including rampant crimes, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities, he stated.
The challenges can be addressed by establishing cooperation, he added.
The OOC 2018 is being held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Oct 29-30 and co-chaired by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.
This year`s OOC is themed "Our Ocean, Our Legacy," as it reflects choices and actions to maintain the sustainability of the oceans` resources and to preserve the oceans` health, as a heritage that serves as a legacy for the children and grandchildren.
At least, seven heads of state and government, two vice presidents, and 36 ministers from several countries have confirmed their participation in the OOC.
Among the leaders expected to be present are Prince Albert II of Monaco, President of Nauru Baron Waqa, President of the Republic of Palau Thomas E. Remengesau, President of Micronesia Peter Christian, President of New Caledonia Philippe Germain, President of Marshall Island Hilda Heine, Vice President of Seychelles Vincent Meriton, and Vice President of the Republic of Panama Isabel De Saint Malo de Alvarado.he gathering will also be attended by representatives of 200 civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations.
The conference will present prominent keynote speakers, such as the Prince of Wales via a video message, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Ine Eriksen Soreide, and Visiting Distinguished Statesman at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace John Kerry.
The OOC 2018 is the first ever held in an Asian country. The first and second OOC in 2014 and 2015 were held in the United States, the third in Chile in 2016, and the 4th in Malta in 2017. The next conference after Bali will be held in Norway in 2019.
Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Fardah
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
