On World Ocean’s Day, today 8th June 2020, the Justice & Peace Commission (JP) began working on raising awareness on the Maltese seas and shores, inspired from the European action plan launched by Justice and Peace Europe about the Common Good of the Seas.
The Commission, which contributed in drafting the document of the action plan, has examined its propositions and particularly looked at those issues that are most relevant for Malta. In the coming weeks, the Commission will be working on analysing, raising awareness and also ensuring that the proposed solutions are being adequately implemented. The areas that the commission will be focusing on vary from the conditions of those working at sea, the pollution degradation experienced in the Maltese seas and shores, and also the immigration aspect. The main scope is to spread awareness so that individuals and communities work together to improve the environment to ensure a better tomorrow by adopting these sustainable actions.
The action plan document
The themes in the document discuss the environmental and humanitarian degradation brought about by years of abuse related to this important resource for humanity.
The document goes on to propose diverse solutions, which can be applied at various levels. From a European and national level, the adoption of a circular economy action plan is being proposed. Governments have pledged to eradicate the use of plastics, while investing in reseach and development to improve the state of our oceans. From a local Church perspective, those who carry a position of responsibility within the Church are to set an example by taking daily initiatives to raise awareness and inspire change. Communities and even individuals are encouraged to commit themselves to sustainable change for a renewal of God’s creation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that local issues have strong global implications. Everyone can participate in these solutions and diversified changes, which can be undertaken from the slightest personal action to nationwide initiatives.
With this initiative, the Commission for Justice & Peace would like to invite everyone, especially now that we will be enjoying our beaches, to not only think about the beauty of our sea but also about the underlying issues of social justice which we are called to address in our daily lives.
The full document can be found on jp.church.mt.