Trabzon:Trkiye's COP31 Presidency has initiated a Marine Litter Action Platform to boost international cooperation on ocean and sea conservation. Leaders from various sectors gathered in Trabzon to shape the agenda for the upcoming COP31 in Antalya.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Marine Litter Action Platform aims to connect projects with knowledge, technical support, and finance, focusing on scaling proven solutions across countries. This initiative is part of the COP31 President's Action Agenda prioritizing 'Oceans and Seas.'

The platform addresses the fragmented nature of current efforts against marine litter by establishing a knowledge-sharing network, creating a digital monitoring dashboard, and connecting projects with financial and technical support. It bridges the Presidency's priorities of Oceans and Seas and Zero Waste Blue, drawing on Trkiye's Zero Waste initiative led by First Lady Emine Erdogan.

Additionally, the COP31 Presidency issued the Trabzon Call to Consensus, Dialogue, and Action, urging tangible outcomes on oceans and seas and calling for increased resource mobilization. Oceans serve as crucial carbon sinks, but climate change threatens these ecosystems and the communities relying on them.

Trkiye collaborates with Australia, Pacific Island countries, and other stakeholders to integrate diverse perspectives into the COP31 agenda. The Trabzon summit advances this effort, highlighting the unique climate impacts on the Black Sea.

The summit included discussions on oceans, climate, and the blue economy, with a focus on blue finance and resilience. Mr. Kurum endorsed the meeting's discussions on the Blue NDC, noting future work on the issue.

Activities from the Trabzon summit will continue through various international events, leading up to COP31 in Antalya. A youth event held prior to the summit engaged climate volunteers and ambassadors, promoting the role of youth in climate action and environmental sustainability.