Ladies and gentlemen,
Todays sessions emphasize the essence of maritime knowledge for sustainable seas. Observation and data are central to this understanding.
Satellite data are increasingly important in our daily lives, for transport, security, and telecommunications. Moreover, Earth observation products are indispensable for maritime knowledge, safety, and sustainable management of our marine environment.
Satellite data, especially from Copernicus, are crucial for achieving the environmental, economic, and digital goals of the EU Green Deal. They are essential for marine protection and support sustainable fisheries management.
As space innovation progresses, we anticipate even higher quality data, crucial for adapting to climate change like rising sea levels.
As a scientist, I understand the value of space data from Copernicus services – they are essential for monitoring ocean temperature, sea level rises, and coastal erosion.
In times of rapid climate change, such metrics help guide science and politics toward effective, evidence-based strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Marine observation supports the EU International Ocean Governance Agenda, which rests on the pillars of safety at sea and building maritime knowledge.
Our commitment to this agenda extends internationally, enhancing long-term ocean observation systems in areas beyond national jurisdiction and in the global south.
Globally, Copernicus significantly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG14 on Life Below Water – a goal that needs accelerated implementation.
From tracking whales to monitoring phytoplankton blooms, marine litter, and sea levels, satellite services offer vast contributions worldwide.
The recent UN Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, or BBNJ, is good news for the ocean and for multilateralism. It promises to redefine ocean governance in the high seas and will likely influence several areas of our work, areas where Copernicus proves invaluable.
Observations from Copernicus also aid in the designation, monitoring, and assessment of marine protected areas in the high seas and assist in the preparation of environmental impact assessments mandated by the BBNJ Agreement.
Marine observation is also central to implementing key EU legislation, such as the Common Fisheries Policy, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive.
Marine knowledge remains central to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, with DG MARE playing a pivotal role through the European Marine Observation and Data Network, or EMODnet, ensuring free access to valuable marine data.
Our collaboration with DEFIS and the Copernicus Marine Service aims to expand and unify marine knowledge, supporting the Digital and Green transitions. Satellite data, forecasting services provided through Copernicus Marine and in-situ data services provided through EMODnet are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
The European Commissions Digital Strategy, the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, and the activities under the umbrella of the European Digital Twin Ocean emphasize this commitment to marine knowledge services and advancing our understanding of ocean systems.
By integrating existing fields of knowledge, pushing frontiers in biology, bridging socio-economic boundaries, and linking knowledge across disciplines, the European Digital Twin Ocean will be key to better understanding ocean systems.
Our vision is an inclusive forward-looking policy for a healthy, resilient ocean, a sustainable blue economy, and a comprehensive marine knowledge and research agenda. My services are already working on the Oceans Pact, engaging with stakeholders to ensure its broad and effective implementation. In that respect, I would note the ongoing call for evidence on the Oceans Pact and would invite you to share your views and perspective. I would also invite you to join the European Ocean Days that will take place during the first week of March.
In closing, I extend my gratitude to our partners in the space community for their support and collaboration.
Lets unite our efforts to build a future where maritime knowledge is accessible and actionable science, policy, and society.