Create an Antarctic sanctuary
Almost half our planet is a vast blue wilderness, outside of the boundaries of flags, languages and national divisions.
take actionDelegates from global governments, and NGO representatives are in Brazil for a very special meeting that happens only once every two years: the meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). For a bit of context on the IWC, have a peek at this brief history that includes Greenpeace’s activities. For IWC2018, here’s our quick overview of what’s at stake:
Whaling: This year’s IWC meeting is likely to be a polarised debate, with ‘pro-whaling’ governments keen to undermine the ban on commercial whaling in any way possible, and ‘pro-whales’ governments keen to defend it. The meeting also happens very soon after huge controversy from Iceland, when images emerged of hybrid blue whales which had been killed.
Greenpeace activists deliver over 800,000 signatures to the Brazilian Minister of Environment, 2016 © Eduardo Zappia / Greenpeace
Where now for the IWC?: There are two competing visions for the future of the IWC. The Japanese government’s ‘Way Forward’ proposal would like to undermine the existing ban on commercial whaling, and attempt to legitimise commercial whaling and reduce the existing protections. On the other hand the ‘Florianopolis Declaration’ promoted by host country Brazil and others wants to commit the IWC to moving forward as a conservation-focused organisation – recognising whales’ crucial role in healthy oceans as well as the many threats they face.
Sanctuaries: Another big issue to be decided at this year’s IWC meeting is whether to establish a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary. This is backed by many nations, particularly around the South Atlantic, including host nation Brazil, and has lots of popular support too, but has been resisted before for political reasons as it puts areas of ocean further off limits to hypothetical future whaling.
Greenpeace has a delegation of whales experts at the IWC meeting. We will continue to defend the ban on commercial whaling, support large scale marine protection such as the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary, and to transform the IWC into the conservation-focused body that the world’s remaining whale populations so desperately need.
Willie Mackenzie is an Oceans Campaigner with Greenpeace International
Discussion
Japan has blocked the setting up of Whale sanctuary.Where now Greenpeace?
Federal Government of Australia sent junior minister to the IWC. Never in the history of our stand against pro whaling, have we not sent the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for the Environment. Federal Government of Australia slashed funds to the ABC media - no news/tv coverage of the events. I found out about the loss of the Sanctuary 45 minutes later online Japan times. Australia and NZ contribute foreign aid to countries in our region (Lowry Map), Japan less so. China has a 99 year lease on Port of Darwin, the smaller nations in our region are in substantial debt to China. if nations can't pay and in a number of cases, excessive debts forcing smaller nations into agreeing to take 99 year lease on ports. China using hand binding methods on African nations Strategic military move. Recent war games with Russia, can you please let us know if our beloved whales will be able to navigate and travel south with militarised ports? F*ck you Federal Government of Australia, you have done the people of Australia over. Apologies, Greenpeace for swearing I am so broken hearted.