Solent Forum: ‘Some 340 European scientists, policy-makers and other experts, including representatives from the National Oceanography Centre, have agreed a common vision of priorities for marine research and action until 2020. They published the Rome Declaration at the EurOCEAN 2014 conference in Italy – an important document which presents a shared goal of how marine scientists can work together to address the important challenges facing society.’
The EurOCEAN 2014 conference brought together marine scientists from a broad range of disciplines with policymakers, industry and NGOs. Highlighting the importance of Blue Growth and of commercially-driven, problem-oriented research, EurOCEAN 2014 equally emphasized that a growing and sustainable maritime economy will also require a much greater knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystem functioning and resilience. A key output of EurOCEAN 2014 is the development of a common vision on achieving an ecosystem approach to the management of Europe’s marine resources as a fundamental requirement for sustainable Blue Growth. This common vision was delivered on 08 October in the Rome Declaration, a consensus view of the EurOCEAN 2014 participants, reflecting that of the European marine science community.
Four main points concerning:
- Valuing the Ocean,
- Capitalising on European leadership,
- Advancing Ocean Knowledge and
- Breaking barriers
http://eurocean2014.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Rome-Declaration_FINAL.pdf