Maria da Graça Carvalho

 Portugal
EPP | ITRE Committee
  • What is the main goal you would like to achieve as Co-Chair of the Ocean Governance Working Group?
    “As Co-Chair of the Ocean Governance Working Group, my main goal is to promote an independent debate bringing together all relevant stakeholders to share their knowledge and understanding of the ocean and resources it provides – such as food, energy and transport; and outline research and innovation priorities towards a sustainable Blue Economy, considering environmental concerns and need to urgently mitigate the associated threats.”

 

  • If you had to choose one specific issue that you think needs to be primarily tackled during this parliamentary term, what would it be? And why?
    “The EU should become an effective leader in ocean governance by setting the good example when it comes to protecting the seas and implementing a more holistic approach to ocean protection: EU institutions, Member States, civil society and other stakeholders have to work closely to ensure progress during the next years.”

Catherine Chabaud

 France
Renew | DEVE Committee, Sub Member ENVI, PECH Committees
  • What is the main goal you would like to achieve as Co-chair of the Ocean Governance Working Group?
    It is extremely hard to govern something you know very little about. Ocean governance requires more scientific work on the challenges and the opportunities that lie in the ocean so we can drive policy-making in the right direction. I would like to see a special report from the IPCC provide us with the cornerstone of a new Mediterranean ocean governance model and how to enhance marine protected areas into reinforced zones.

 

  • If you had to choose one specific issue that you think needs to be primarily tackled during this parliamentary term, what would it be? And why?
    I would like to see the ocean recognized as a common good of humanity in order to develop a new approach that places individual and collective responsibilities well above the traditional principles of freedom and ownership of the ocean in order to ensure its preservation. Ensuring this principle at the level of the United Nations would lay the ground for a new governance model.