Today, the UN Ocean Conference, in Nice, France, officially opened. This global meeting was attended by hundreds of participants, ranging from representatives of countries including diplomats, companies, academics, to representatives of civil society organizations from all over the world.
One of the representatives of civil society organizations from Indonesia who attended the UN ocean conference was Muhammad Al Amin, Director of WALHI South Sulawesi. He is in the same group with organizations from Netherlands, Philippines and Maldives.
In this year’s ocean conference, the UN took the theme of conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. However, Amin, who will represent coastal communities and small islands, as well as marine ecosystems in Indonesia, will convey a message of marine justice and protection of coastal communities and small islands, including women and young people.
“I bring a strong message from Indonesia, from eastern Indonesia and from South Sulawesi about Marine Justice and the protection of coastal communities, small islands. This is something that the UN, the government, academics, let alone companies, must not forget”
According to Amin, sustainable use of the sea and conservation is good and important. However, presenting ideas and models of utilization that are just for the sea and coastal communities, especially women, is much more important.
“The sea needs recovery, I agree. However, justice for the environment and coastal communities, protection for the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal women is very, very important. This is what we must discuss and realize”
Amin will attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, until June 13. On the last day of the conference, Amin will speak about extractivism, marine justice and the lives of coastal communities, small islands.
