Nations urged to sign treaty to preserve Arctic Ocean [1]
Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 20:03. Updated on Friday, August 16, 2019 - 09:47.
A non-profit organization is calling on nations to join the Cook Islands and Samoa in preserving the Arctic Ocean by signing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS) Treaty.
The treaty designates the entire Arctic Ocean north of the Arctic Circle as the world’s largest preservation area.
MAPS, established by Parvati.org [2], a non-profit organization, aims to stop all activities harmful to the ice, “the Earth’s air conditioner,” such as shipping traffic and military activity.
It also aims to protect the Arctic seabed oil and gas from extraction and exploitation, compelling a global shift to sustainable energy sources.
The melting arctic ice signals a warmer world with weather patterns becoming unstable affecting vulnerable countries such as the Pacific Islands.
Cook Islands
Prime Minister Henry Puna, said as a global citizen, the Cook Islands recognizes that climate change and its impacts knows no boundaries and affects us all.
“We say we are on the front lines, we will be impacted first, we are most vulnerable. But in reality, what happens in the Arctic, what happens with the pack ice, and what happens as our seas warm, we are all going to bear the brunt of these effects.”
"This is why the Cook Islands are going to sign up to and support the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary Treaty. The time for bold action is now, and while my country has already started, we support others to do the same."
The Parvati.org website explains the Arctic sea ice cools the earth by reflecting the sun’s heat away from the planet. It balances weather patterns globally ensuring everyone has food and water needed to survive.
However the melting ice means exposed Arctic water now absorbs more of the sun’s heat with parts of the Arctic Ocean 4oC too hot.
MAPS is the largest ocean preserve in history, representing approximately 3% of the world’s oceans and fits with the United Nations’ commitment to protect 10% of the earth’s oceans by 2020.
The MAPS Treaty is an addendum to the UN Law of the Sea. It enters into force with the signatures of 99 states members of the UN or any of the specialized agencies.
Samoa and the Cook Islands are the only nations to have signed the treaty so far.
“We owe sincere gratitude and respect to the small island developing states who are courageously leading the call to protect our world,” says Parvati.org founder and CEO, Parvati.
“They understand that the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary does not just protect the Arctic Ocean. It protects all of life. Let’s join them wholeheartedly in standing up for a healthy world."
Parvati.org was founded in 2014 by the Canadian musician, author and activist Parvati.