World’s first Sustainable Ocean Summit launched in Belfast

Junior Minister Robin Newton has welcomed the first world Sustainable Ocean Summit to Belfast today.

The Sustainable Development Summit or SOS, organised by the World Ocean Council, in association with Golder Associates, is a three day summit that will bring together senior industry leaders from across the world to address the issue of ocean sustainability.

Opening the summit, Junior Minister Robin Newton said: “With our rich maritime history and wealth of marine life off our shores, Belfast is the ideal location for this landmark summit."

“The NI Executive is supportive of, and committed to, leadership in sustainability, that is why it has made sustainability one of the key cross- cutting themes in the Executive’s Programme for Government. The Executive has recently approved its new Sustainable Development Strategy, which includes a Strategic Objective to promote sustainable marine management.”

There is an immediate need for all ocean industries to collaborate and develop proactive leadership in future ocean sustainability. Key issues to be addressed at this summit will include climate change, offshore renewable energy, the Arctic Ocean, sustainable ports and marine tourism.

Junior Minister Newton commented: "Like the oceans, sustainable development can be a powerful and transformative force and we must harness this force in a positive way to build a better future for our families, after all our families are our future."

Notes to editors:

1. The Sustainable Ocean Summit, organised by the World Ocean Council, in association with Golder Associates, is the first international, cross-sectoral ocean sustainability conference for the private sector.
2. For further information on the Summit programme and press-related issues, please contact Nuala Bannon, MCE Public Relations, T: 028 9026 7099, E: nuala@mcepr.com
3. Further information on the World Ocean Council is available at the World Ocean Council website
4. For further information on Golder Associates visit the Golder Associates website
5. For media enquiries contact OFMDFM Information Office on 028 9037 8119. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.