BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. A special panel discussion and exhibition program under the FINS Initiative (International Protection of Marine Species), set to take place at COP29 in Baku, will highlight the critical importance of preserving global waters and underwater ecosystems, Trend reports.
The photo exhibition is dedicated to the underwater world and emphasizes the vital role of marine life, calling attention to the urgent need for its conservation.
When discussing the topic of climate change, it is impossible not to take into account the waters that cover 70 percent of the world and their ecosystems. Protecting these ecosystems is essential, as disruptions in the balance of marine life can pose even greater dangers than we realize.
Unfortunately, marine life faces numerous threats worldwide. Over 100 million sharks are killed annually, and in some countries, dolphin hunting is not only legal but has become a common practice. For instance, in Denmark and Iceland, dolphin hunting is protected by law, while in Norway, whaling is not only legal but state-supported, with annual quotas increasing. The processing of whale meat into pet food raises significant concerns.
To protect whales, limiting hunting is not enough. Currently, large cargo ships traveling across the globe also pose a serious threat to these animals. These vessels often collide with whales, endangering their lives.
Norway is currently considering opening its deep-water areas to local mining companies. This region, the size of the United Kingdom, has prompted over 800 international scientists to sign a petition against mining, warning that such activities would severely damage underwater ecosystems.
As the FINS Initiative, our goal is to bring these important issues to the table at COP29. Over the course of 11 days, we will organize panel discussions with foreign experts, presentations, and screenings of documentary films on the topic in our pavilion set up in the green zone. Our goal is to discuss the problems of the world's oceans, including our Caspian Sea, and prepare a joint statement to propose to COP29. We hope that as a result of these discussions, we will find new ways to protect the Caspian Sea and the world's waters through new technologies and approaches.
Notably, 20 years ago, seeing seals along the Caspian coast was common, but today this has become a rare occurrence. This indicates a decrease in their number and an ecological threat to the Caspian Sea. As the FINS Initiative, we will continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting our Caspian and the world's waters.