CRIMARIO II’s Post

GOOD PROGRESS IN BLACK SEA REGIONAL COOPERATION European Commission and the European External Action Service adopted the 4th implementation report of the Black Sea Synergy, offering a review of this regional cooperation initiative for the 2019-2023 period. https://lnkd.in/dbQVe-p9

GOOD PROGRESS IN BLACK SEA REGIONAL COOPERATION European Commission and the European External Action Service adopted the 4th implementation report of the Black Sea Synergy, offering a review of this regional cooperation initiative for the 2019-2023 period. https://lnkd.in/dxy75Vcy

Interesting take _____________________________________ Philippines’ new playbook is a threat to South China Sea peace By playing the victim and packaging ‘grey zone’ ops as humanitarian resupply missions for fishermen, Manila means to put Beijing on the defensive What’s uncertain is whether China will respond and, if so, how as policy voices call for the Philippines to be taught a lesson _ ...There is also a legal aspect. The 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling only confirms that Filipino fishermen possess traditional fishing rights in the waters of Scarborough Shoal.But the ruling does not address the issue of whether the Philippine coastguard or Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has the authority to patrol or enforce laws in the waters of the shoal. The latter involves the issue of territorial sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, which is outside the scope of an arbitral tribunal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. https://lnkd.in/gsHm5mWD

💡 Enlightening read by David Brewster, Simon Bateman and Anthony Bergin. 📘 The Australian National Security College’s latest report dives into Sri Lanka's Maritime Domain Awareness (#MDA) capabilities, and provides an insightful look at how far the nation has come and where further development can take place. 🇱🇰 Hats off to Sri Lanka for achieving an impressive level of MDA despite limited resources: a clear indicator of the country's commitment and resilience in this critical area ! 👏 The report also highlights some key areas of interest for the Regional Centre for Maritime Security (RCMS) to support future progress: 1️⃣ Strengthening Partnership Coordination The report acknowledges the significant international support Sri Lanka receives in #MaritimeSecurity and MDA from countries and organisations such as India, Australia, the US, Japan, France, and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime. However, it suggests better coordination is needed—a goal that the RCMS is actively pursuing through efforts to aggregate and strengthen partnerships with key regional stakeholders. 2️⃣ Supporting Coast Guard Training The report highlights certain training gaps within the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. The RCMS could play a supporting role, potentially working with local authorities to help develop a tailored training program inspired by the comprehensive curriculum currently offered by the French Maritime Affairs School (Ecole du Service Public de la mer). 3️⃣ Boosting Environmental Protection and Other Maritime Capabilities With recommendations to enhance the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)’s operational range, the RCMS stands ready to assist with capacity-building initiatives, should MEPA seek such support. 4️⃣ Improving Port State Control (PSC) The report points to a need for strengthened Port State Control, highlighting low inspection numbers. The RCMS could, in collaboration with national authorities, develop a comprehensive PSC inspector training program to ensure robust maritime safety standards.   All in all, the RCMS is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitions through cross-agency courses that could benefit all interested stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Shipping, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, Marine Environment Protection Authority, NARA - National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, and other key maritime entities. As the report thoughtfully questions, " which organisation is best-placed to deliver relevant training?"—the RCMS would be honoured to throw its hat into the ring.   Here's to building stronger #MaritimeSafety capabilities together! 🇫🇷 🇱🇰 Direction de la Coopération de Sécurité et de Défense DCSD 🇫🇷 Chamila Mendis, BSc (DS) MTS, MSc (DSS), MSc (WS) Maritime https://lnkd.in/e4-rq33M

#PeriploPacifico #ThursdayEdition August 1, 2024 Here are the key news and events reported today about the #Pacific region. #PicoftheDay is #Kayangel Atoll #Palau, known for its pristine marine ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and world-famous dive sites. #Japan #Taiwan - Summit in #Tainan Today marks the conclusion of the 10th Japan-Taiwan Exchange Summit held in Tainan. The summit resulted in the "Tainan Declaration," which calls for the establishment of a Taiwan-Japan relations law and higher-level cooperation between the two countries. The declaration also urges Japan to support Taiwan’s application to join international organizations such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This meeting underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional security concerns. #Kiribati - Climate Change Adaptation Kiribati has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing climate change adaptation. The program includes constructing sea walls, developing sustainable agriculture practices, and relocating vulnerable communities. This initiative is part of Kiribati's broader strategy to combat the severe impacts of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. #Vanuatu - Marine Protection at UN Meeting Vanuatu has been actively advocating for marine protection at the United Nations meeting on deep-sea mining. The country’s representatives are pushing for stringent environmental policies to safeguard marine ecosystems from the potential impacts of mining activities. This highlights Vanuatu’s leadership role in promoting sustainable environmental practices on the global stage. #AmericanSamoa - Seabed Mining Moratorium The Governor of American Samoa has issued an executive order placing a moratorium on seabed mining in the waters of American Samoa. The order aims to protect marine biodiversity and prevent habitat destruction and pollution associated with deep-sea mining operations. This move reflects growing regional concerns about the environmental impacts of seabed mining. #CookIslands - Call for Stronger Borders Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands has called for stronger regional collaboration to enhance border security. Speaking at the 26th Annual Oceania Customs Organisation Conference, he emphasized the need for innovative strategies and cooperation among Oceania nations to tackle challenges such as smuggling and illegal fishing. These updates reflect ongoing developments and challenges in the Pacific region. Stay tuned for more updates!

🗨️ 'Every day around the world, the merchant marine shares key waterways with people fleeing conflict and instability ... These perilous journeys often result in tragic outcomes, raising critical questions about the responsibilities and readiness of those at sea...' In this month's Talking Point, Senior Researcher Ralph Mamiya discusses the challenges posed by maritime migration for seafarers and the work of the Centre for Humanitarian Action at Sea, including its latest anonymous survey to collect seafarers’ perspectives. Read it here: bit.ly/45ZB6af 💭 What do you think? Are captains and crews receiving sufficient support and training to deal with maritime migrants if they encounter vessels-in-distress? Are their moral or legal obligations clear? Share your thoughts in the comments... ⬇️ The Centre's survey for seafarers can be found in English here: bit.ly/4cV4Jfs (this survey is available in additional languages - links can be found in the article) 📷: Maud Veith/SOS Mediterranée

3rd International Maritime Conference (IMC-2025) The deadline of Abstract Submission (December 20, 2024) is approaching fast. Submit it at intlconference.crima@mul.edu.pk #maritime #InternationalConference #maritimelaw #maritimegovernance #ClimateAction #indianocean #MaritimeLogistics #marineenvironment #oilspills #sustainabledevelopment #smartports #UNCLOS #internationalmaritimeorganization #environmentalsustainability Centre of Research and Innovation in Maritime Affairs - CRIMA

AD Ports Group and Madagascar EDB Sign MoU to Boost Maritime and Logistics Sectors The Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM) and AD Ports Group have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore commercial opportunities across Madagascar’s maritime, industrial, and logistics sectors. The MoU will focus on areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including the development of economic cities and free zones, ports, marina and cruise port facilities, digitalisation of logistics, maritime services, and the establishment of a maritime academy. Additionally, the... Read more on the link below https://lnkd.in/g8p24sPx

The recent maritime agreement between the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was designed to formally define the maritime boundaries between the Dominican Republic and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Contrary to concerns raised by some, the agreement did not result in a loss of maritime territory for the Dominican Republic. Instead, as @lludelisespinal explains in this interview with Radio and YouTube channel @porairemarytierraradioytv the Dominican Republic actually gained approximately 11 square nautical miles (around 37 square kilometers) of maritime area. The agreement ensures the Dominican Republic’s rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including seabed and fishing rights. It follows international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ensuring a fair and legal process. The deal represents continuity in the Dominican Republic’s efforts to solidify its maritime borders, similar to prior agreements with Venezuela (1979) and Colombia (1978). Furthermore, the treaty facilitates marine research and development in the defined areas while safeguarding national interests.

Technology and Maritime Security The Gulf of Guinea has faced maritime security threats like piracy and illegal fishing. In 2013, countries established coordinated monitoring through the Yaoundé Architecture. New technology integrating vessel tracking data has enabled better maritime domain awareness. This has helped combat piracy, with Nigeria being delisted as a hotspot in 2022.  Jonathan Este, Associate Editor, and International Affairs Editor, of "The Conversation," writes that some challenges remain, like lack of local expertise and private operators not utilizing regional systems. He says that building technological capacity and coordination is key for lasting maritime security. https://lnkd.in/eBxCWWeu