This week 30 of the world’s most eminent scientists will meet in Paris at the 29th International Resource Panel Meeting. This is the first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID pandemic.
The meeting also marks the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Panel, which was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2007 to build and share the knowledge needed to improve the use of resources worldwide.
The Panel consists of scientists with expertise in resource management issues. It studies key questions around global resource use and produces assessment reports that focus on the latest scientific, technical and socio-economic findings to inform decision-making. It provides advice and connections between policymakers, industry and the community on ways to improve global and local resource management.
One of the scientists invited to attend the International Resource Panel is Steve Fletcher, Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy and Director of Revolution Plastics at the University of Portsmouth. With his expertise in ocean conservation, sustainability and marine policy, Professor Fletcher will be contributing to discussions around coastal and ocean resource management. He is also author of the Panel’s Governing Coastal Resources Report which outlined the effect land-based human activities have on the marine environment.
Professor Fletcher said: “There is no doubt that ocean resources are at risk, as is the critical role it plays in supporting life on earth and human wellbeing. This is a global issue in which isolated interventions will have minimal impact. Systemic change is the key to success by bringing together countries, governments, businesses and communities to work together.”
“We’ve got to stop looking at the problem in a fragmented way – the ocean is highly dynamic and land-based activities in one country may contribute to the degradation of coastal resources in another country, region or even globally. The transition to more sustainable consumption and production should be a global priority where the most impactful actions are prioritised for urgent action.”
The 29th International Resource Panel will be held in Paris from the 17th -21st October 2022.