September 26 has been observed as World Maritime Day since 1978, by decision of the 10th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the UN.
The aim is to draw the attention of the international community to the threat posed to the world’s oceans by the depletion of marine resources, marine pollution, and global warming.
In recent years, the International Maritime Organization’s priorities have focused on enhancing maritime safety and preventing marine environmental pollution.
According to UN data, over the last 100 years, global stocks of some valuable fish have been depleted by up to 90%. Approximately 21 million barrels of oil are spilled into the world’s oceans annually. Synthetic pollutants discharged into large bodies of water cause the death of thousands of marine inhabitants annually. Due to global warming, sea levels have risen by 10-25 cm over the last century.
As a partner in the project «TEN_ECOPORT – Transnational Expansion of the ECOPORT 8 Network», State Enterprise ‘Port Infrastructure’, together with 12 European ports from 7 countries, is participating in the development of a pilot model for the interaction of all stakeholders in the protection of marine areas and port zones. TEN ECOPORT directs the partners’ efforts towards creating a Common Model for environmental protection in the ports of Southeast Europe, their sustainable development, and free access to maritime transport networks. From the Bulgarian side, SEPI and NIMH at BAS are participating in the project.
The project team is preparing a map of specific critical points and potential environmental risks in ports and port cities. A modern web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) platform will enable the monitoring, analysis, and assessment of environmental parameters in ports and their surrounding ecosystems.
The sustainable development of global maritime spaces is among humanity’s foremost tasks and a crucial mission of the International Maritime Organization. On the occasion of World Maritime Day, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Koji Sekimizu organized an International Symposium under the auspices of the UN on the topic ‘Sustainable Development: IMO’s Contribution Beyond Rio+20’. The symposium’s objective is to draw the attention of member states and the global public to the role of maritime transport in the growth of the world economy and prosperity.
“Our globalized world could not exist without reliable maritime transport. Decisions related to the sustainable development of maritime spaces are not easy. The great challenge for policymakers is to find a balance between the competing social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. It is the responsibility of all of us not to deprive future generations of the opportunity to benefit from the bounty of the sea” – stated Mr. Sekimizu, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, in his address on the occasion of World Maritime Day, September 26.
