On Thursday 27th June, the Fair Seas coalition and partners were invited to attend President Michael D. Higgins’ fifth garden party of 2024. The President is BirdWatch Ireland’s patron.
The President and Sabina Higgins welcomed communities and activists who are dedicating themselves to fostering a sustainable future for the citizens of Ireland and beyond. Describing the ocean as “the life blood of our planet”, the President explained that the ocean covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface, holds 97% of all water on earth, regulates our climate, provides food and a source of protein for billions of people, as well as a home for millions of different species. The health of the ocean therefore links to the health of the planet, and the President said that SDG 14 (‘Life Below Water’) resonates deeply with his commitment to a sustainable planet.
President Michael D. Higgins meeting RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)
In a compelling speech, President Higgins began by “celebrating the spirit of active participation”, thanking organisations like Clean Coasts, Seal Rescue Ireland, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and Fair Seas for their work. The President said that such organisations have built a sense of pride and commitment among Irish people and have played a key role in “turning the faces of the Irish people to the sea again”. The President highlighted the role of the ocean in Irish heritage, culture, and history, naming the “mythic power of the ocean”.
Some of Fair Seas team pictured at Áras an Uachtaráin
Against the backdrop of pollution and depleting fish stocks caused by overfishing, the President said that “it is human actions that have placed all of these precious ecosystems in peril.” The President called individuals and organisations to have the “courage” to confront the powerful responsible for the ecological crisis, including lobbyists and vested interests.
The President said: “It is important to have organisations that raise consciousness […] and also to encourage the righteous anger that the rest of the world must feel when these issues are not discussed at the highest level.”
He went on to ask: “Is any of this at the top of anyone’s agenda? I’m afraid not and I believe that is indeed quite tragic.” At the time of the President making his speech, with only 5 days until the summer recess, the Marine Protected Area Bill – a piece of legislation putting marine ecology and the environment centre-stage – has been delayed 4 times and is yet to be published. This places further emphasis on the President’s remarks.
President Michael D. Higgins’ speech (available on YouTube)
Effective Marine Protected Area legislation would position us on a pathway to conserving and sustainably using the ocean, and the vast and vital marine resources that Irish waters provide. It would also help us to fulfil our “moral responsibility”, highlighted by the President, “to ensure future generations inherit a world where the oceans that join us are healthy, resilient and thriving.”
The international agreements are there, the resources are there, and the public interest is there too. Time is not. We can’t lose more time to empty pledges and vague promises. We need Marine Protected Area published as soon as possible.
