HRH Prince of Wales congratulates Tristan da Cunha
Report and photo from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
Prince Charles and FDCO Minister Zac Goldsmith
The final day of the 2020 virtual Overseas Territories' Joint Ministerial Council featured two very significant accolades for Tristan's Marine Protection Zone.
The FCDO delivered a great surprise, with a video message from HRH the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles spoke passionately about conservation and the need for a 'green recovery' from the pandemic. And he said:
'I particularly want to offer my warmest congratulations to Tristan da Cunha on your recent Marine Protection Zone designation, the largest in the Atlantic Ocean'.
HRH The Prince of Wales addressing the 2020 Overseas Territories' JMC on Thursday 26th November 2020.
Also during Thursday's final OT 2020 JMC session, FCDO/DEFRA minister Zac Goldsmith welcomed the MPZ as a 'huge extension to the Blue Belt; the largest marine reserve in the Atlantic and three times the size of the UK. I can't exaggerate my thanks to the islanders for having provided that leadership'.
We expect to publish a final 2020 JMC report soon.