PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT NETWORK OCEANS SUMMIT (23 October 2001)

That this House congratulates WWF, the Global Environment Network, on its Oceans Summit which has brought together governments, business, fishing interests and environmental groups to seek ways to forge a sustainable management of the UK's marine environment in the interests of the economy, coastal communities and the environment; believes the sea has always inspired the imagination and endeavours of the human race; that they are the world's greatest resource, providing nutrition, materials, energy, livelihoods and leisure opportunities; that the oceans, however, are more than just a simple economic reserve, being home to half the planet's biodiversity, and that they also regulate our climate and absorb the gases that contribute to the climate change; recognises seas are in urgent need of sensible and sensitive management if they are to support abundant fish-stocks, viable populations of marine wildlife and thriving coastal communities; understands that this stewardship will require the forging of new partnerships and the development of better ways of managing this priceless resource in a substainable manner is part of a duty to future generations and that it is essential to take decisive action now; and calls on Government, business and all those with an interest in the marine environment to commit to the recovery of our seas and oceans and their future stewardship.

Sponsored by:
Mrs Jackie Lawrence (Labour)