Parliamentary Debate highlights Tristan's Marine Protection Zone
Report and photo from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
MPs on Thursday 25th April 2024 debated the Global Ocean Treaty, in the non-legislating setting of Westminster Hall.
A while ago I briefed an adviser to Barry Gardiner MP, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Conservation, and it was good to see him highlight the TdC MPZ as a major contributor to the Blue Belt and a protector of numerous species - including what he called the 'iconic Tristan lobster'!
Former DEFRA minister Thérèse Coffey MP called for the creation of a high-seas MPA between Namibia and Tristan.
There's some way to go before the Treaty and its ambition to regulate the high seas become active, but it was good to see such interest in marine conservation among those who took part.
Link to the video: www.parliamentlive.tv
Forward to 14.00 to focus on the Global Ocean Treaty debate. Fascinating contributions largely transcending party lines to focus on apparently universally positive view of the Global Ocean Treaty.
Tristan's vast 'Blue Belt' celebrated at London events
Report and images from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
The contribution of Tristan da Cunha's Marine Protection Zone to the UK's 'Blue Belt' of conserved ocean was celebrated at a series of events in London, held 26th-29th February 2024.
A symposium studied the protection measures that have been established across UK Overseas Territories from the Pacific to the Antarctic, with the huge Tristan MPZ contributing one-sixth of its worldwide scope.
Left: Chris with Lord Benyon |
I met UK environment minister Lord Richard Benyon in advance of his opening keynote speech, which included a message of warm support from His Majesty King Charles.
The symposium brought a chance to learn about other islands' experience with the Blue Belt: how they are managing their zones, how their staffing is arranged, what marine science they undertake and how their communities are engaged. I gave a presentation about Tristan's Blue Belt journey, stressing the importance of local ownership of the initiative and describing discoveries such as the blue-shark 'nursery' found off Gough Island.
A linked event saw Professor Jessica Meeuwig of the University of Western Australia, whose network of underwater cameras had found the shark nursery, lead discussion on future use of the imagery and the fish data it enables. I was able to link Prof Meeuwig by phone with Chief Islander James Glass, ahead of a trip to Gough where he hopes to deploy the cameras again.
I also met Dr Eleanor Adamson of the Fishmongers' Company Fisheries Charitable Trust. The Trust plans to support a scientist from the UK to undertake research work at Tristan.
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron addressing Symposium delegates
Alongside the main sessions was an exhibition, featuring fish samples from Tristan's waters and a video message from young Tristanians, and a reception where I met the UK Foreign Secretary. Lord David Cameron namechecked Tristan in a speech that was passionately proud of what the Blue Belt has achieved.
Royal conclusion to Tristan's London talks
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
King Charles provided a very special moment as the events surrounding the Joint Ministerial Council drew to a close on 15th November 2023.
He hosted an intimate reception for the London JMC delegates at Buckingham Palace. Leaders, Representatives and Governors were all able to discuss their Territories with him at some length. His Majesty takes a keen interest in the OTs. He is enthusiastic about marine conservation and the ecosystem benefits of Tristan's MPZ, is concerned about IUU fishing, and is personally interested in the coins and stamps that are issued by the Territories.
We then dined in the sumptuous Commons Speaker's House back at Westminster. Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke warmly of his devotion to the worldwide 'British family'.
The night brought-down the curtain on the JMC in style, but the day had also been a busy one, with appearances before two influential Select Committees of the House of Commons.
Chief Islander James Glass had previously submitted written evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. At their meeting I explained the basics of Tristan's constitution, listed some benefits Tristan and the UK each gain from our connection, and mentioned the island's ambition for greater recognition of its own status.
The Foreign Affairs Committee was announcing the creation of a new sub-committee to focus on how the UK deals with OTs. They asked which departments they should monitor, and I offered some suggestions based on Tristan's key areas of interest.
The events of 15th November were a satisfying conclusion to a busy few days that had been months in the making. Tristan played a leading role in helping negotiate the proposed Declaration that will set the tone for future relations with the UK, and our meetings with key politicians from all sides of the Commons meant we could put the island's issues firmly in the spotlight.
Two Tristan legends applauded at Westminster reception |
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Message to Tristan from Dr Hilary Jones 17-Nov-2023 |
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Meetings with UK politicians herald start of JMC week |
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Tristan represented at key UK Overseas Territories conference 14-Nov-2023 |
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Tristan at the heart of UK remembrance |
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Chris Carnegy lays Cenotaph wreath on behalf of Tristan da Cunha 13-Nov-2023 |
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Calshots united at remembrance event |
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Tristan recalled in Speaker's 'garden of remembrance' 8-Nov-2023 |
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Oil spill exercise reaches out to Tristan da Cunha |
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UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency event in North Sea observed by Tristan's UK Representative. 17-Oct-2023 |
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