Barbados and New Zealand to collaborate on Blue Economy development

Barbados has joined a collaborative effort with New Zealand which will focus on fighting against the acidification of oceans and climate change.

“Ocean acidification is a serious and urgent global challenge, linked with climate change, that requires international cooperation”, said New Zealand’s Minister for Climate Change James Shaw.

The Barbados government have joined the New Zealand-led Ocean Acidification Working Group. Barbados’ Minister of Maritime Affairs Kirk Humphrey was welcomed in Wellington this week to discuss these issues.

This announcement comes soon after Barbados’ adoption of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance commitments.

New Zealand’s Minister for Climate Change James Shaw said: “Barbados is a leader in the Caribbean on issues affecting small islands developing states. (…) Many of the issues affecting the islands of the Caribbean are also priority issues for our Pacific neighbours.”

“We are pleased New Zealand is making efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and is, therefore, a natural partner in our fight against climate change,” added Barbados’ Minister of Maritime Affairs Kirk Humphrey.

During his visit, the Barbadian Minister also observed New Zealand’s maritime conservation areas management, as well as their strategies for boat building and maintenance.

The Minister continues on his travels to Samoa for the meeting of African, Caribbean and Pacific ministers for fisheries and aquaculture.

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