The International Maritime Organisation appears to have taken a major step towards lower emissions following a meeting in London of its marine environment committee.
According to Monaco’s Government, bitter discussions preceded a “historic agreement.”
The meeting of the committee ended with a unanimous agreement of the Member States on a revision of its strategy in terms of the fight against greenhouse gases caused by ships, in particular by revising upwards the objectives of reduction of C02 emissions and by implementing the principle of pricing on carbon emissions, although how it is implemented remains to be defined.
More locally, the committee adopted the creation of a particularly sensitive area in the northwestern Mediterranean, which constitutes an essential step in the protection of cetaceans. Thanks to the voluntary measures envisaged – reduction of the speed of ships, appropriate navigation distances, information reported on the presence of cetaceans, etc. – the risk of collisions with ships should decrease significantly.
This concludes an intensive cycle of work initiated since 2020 among France, Italy, Monaco and Spain through national and international consultations, in particular with decision-makers and the various relevant bodies of the IMO. This work will continue to make the associated protective measures effective and efficient in this area, the Government said.
The delegation from the Principality was led by Armelle Roudaut Lafon, Deputy Permanent Representative to the IMO.
PHOTO: Delegates at the IMO meeting in London
ORIGINAL SOURCE & PHOTO: Monaco Government Press Service
