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29 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceSECOND SESSIONVision 2030: Safeguarding our Environment,Seas and Oceans for Future GenerationsMs. Svenja SchulzeFederal Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation and NuclearSafety, Germany, HELCOM Chair, European Council PresidencyValerijus Simulik, President of the Baltic See Parliamentary ConferenceCommissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius,Excellencies,Members of Parliament,Ladies and gentlemen,The coronavirus pandemic and the immediate protection of human health continue to dominate our thoughtsand actions. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear to many people just how dependent our lives andsurvival are on the general state of the environment. This also applies to marine protection, which is why today’sdiscussions are so important.During Germany’s HELCOM Chairmanship, we will actively shape the future of the Baltic Sea together. Iwould like to briefly outline my goals:· The overarching goal remains improved protection of the Baltic Sea. This is the only way to secure thefuture of the Baltic Sea region as a whole.· The economic recovery ahead provides an opportunity to make social and ecological progress: for climateaction and environmental protection – including, of course, marine protection. I will work hard toachieve this.· The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan is the scientific basis for our measures. We should develop thisplan for the next ten years to enable it to respond to new challenges and lay down ambitious targets andmeasures.· My goal is for the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting next year to adopt an updated plan. This will establishmore effective protection of the Baltic Sea at political level too.· Significant improvements are needed regarding eutrophication and the conservation of marinebiodiversity. This is why we will address this issue in detail.· When it comes to munutions in the sea, all Baltic Sea countries have a shared responsibility. My goalis for this process to lead to joint action. I am pleased that you Baltic Sea parliamentarians have clearlysignalled your support.Ladies and gentlemen,Another key issue for Germany’s HELCOM Chairmanship is global ocean governance. To achieve this, weneed cooperation among all relevant players in and between regions. This is why the Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference is such an important institution. I am delighted to have you as a partner by our side and byHELCOM’s side.Thank you.