Luxembourg reaffirms its commitment to protecting the oceans at UN conference

On the international stage, Luxembourg is increasingly making a name for itself as a supporter of a sustainable blue economy, a model that combines marine ecology and financial instruments in favour of long-term development. As emphasised by the Minister of the Environment, Serge Wilmes, the country is involved in a number of climate initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, despite being landlocked.

One of the key programmes in which Luxembourg is involved is the Blue Natural Capital Finance Facility, a platform created in cooperation with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN). In addition, the government finances projects in co-operation with the European Investment Bank (BEI) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The main beneficiaries are small island developing States, the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and loss of marine biodiversity.

The centrepiece of Luxembourg's environmental agenda remains support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Wilmes reiterated that the country is on the side of the scientific community, which warns of the risk of irreversible destruction of marine ecosystems, most of which are still unexplored. In a context of high uncertainty and scientific ambiguity, the Minister argued, the precautionary principle must take precedence. No licences should be granted until the deep sea has been thoroughly investigated.

"The water cycle is a vicious circle. Every drop that falls on Luxembourg soil will return one day," said the Minister, emphasising that the climate and ocean agenda are interlinked, even in small continental countries. Oceans are an integral part of the global climate balance, food security and human sustainability.

Beyond finance, Luxembourg is also staking its political influence: the country has submitted a candidature to the Executive Board of unesco to promote the values of solidarity, cooperation and sustainability on the international scene. This demonstrates the country's desire not only to participate but also to shape the global environmental and sustainable development agenda.