In his opening address at the Sustainable Ocean Summit 2015 held in Singapore today, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Mr Andrew Tan called for an integrated approach bringing together the science, the research, technology and different disciplines to understand the various eco-systems within the oceans and uncover more of the nexus between land and sea and how each affects the other.
Tan's speech also underlined four principles to ensure an enduring Blue Economy that fulfils the twin goals of growth and sustainability, i.e. good governance, long-term vision, good execution, and strong partnerships.
Organised by The World Ocean Council, an international, cross-sectoral business alliance on Corporate Ocean Responsibility, this year's Sustainable Ocean Summit brings the diverse global ocean business community together in Singapore to discuss the multi-faceted issues surrounding the theme of "Sustainable Development and Growing the Blue Economy--the Next 50 Years." The theme recognises the 50th anniversary of Singapore and its growth as a major maritime nation.
Commenting on the theme of this year's conference, Tan said, "Singapore will do its part to support the global Blue Economy as a port city with a long maritime heritage, a long serving council member of the International Maritime Organisation since 1993 and as permanent observer on the Arctic Council. Through such platforms as the Sustainable Oceans Summit, we hope to foster greater cooperation among all stakeholders. We believe that an integrated approach is necessary for good ocean governance."