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WCC 2020 Res 022 - Activity Report

Submitted by marta.canchal on Fri, 12/20/2024 - 10:19
General Information
Establishment of a mid-frequency active (MFA – 1 to 10 KHz) sonar moratorium for maritime military exercises conducted in Macaronesia
IUCN Constituent: 
IUCN SSC Chair Office 2021-2025
IUCN Constituent type: 
IUCN Species Survival Commission 2021-2025
Period covered: 
2024
Geographic scope: 
Atlantic Ocean
Country/Territory: 
Cabo Verde
Portugal
Spain
Implementation
Indicate and briefly describe any actions that have been carried out to implement this Resolution: 
ActionDescriptionStatus
Convene stakeholders/NetworkingCollaboration and Working Group Formation Following the European Parliament events, efforts are underway to establish a working group with representatives from the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and the Azores. This group will coordinate efforts to extend the military sonar moratorium and consolidate regional commitments to marine conservation.- None -
Education/Communication/Raising awarenessAwareness and Outreach The successful touring exhibition featuring life-sized inflatable cetaceans has been pivotal in engaging over 10,000 visitors across the Canary Islands. This exhibition highlighted the impacts of military sonar on marine life and promoted the need for a comprehensive moratorium.On-going
Policy influencing/advocacyIn October 2023, we organized two major events at the European Parliament: The exhibition "From Red to Green: Preserving Europe's Most Biodiverse Region" highlighted the ecological significance of the Macaronesia and called for stronger protection measures for marine biodiversity. The event "Echoes of Protection: Extending the Military SONAR Moratorium to Macaronesia"specifically advocated for extending the successful military sonar moratorium currently in place in the Canary Islands to the rest of the Macaronesia. This included participation from stakeholders across the region and policymakers.- None -
What challenges have you encountered in implementing this Resolution and what measures have you taken to overcome them?: 
Challenges Encountered A primary challenge has been securing alignment and commitments from all regions involved. Efforts are ongoing to address these through dialogue and consistent engagement with regional stakeholders and policymakers.
Identify and briefly describe what future actions are planned for the implementation of this Resolution: 
Future ActionDescription
Convene stakeholders/NetworkingThe next critical step is to secure a meeting with the NATO Ambassador to the EU, aiming to advocate for NATO’s recognition and support of the moratorium as a vital conservation measure.
Education/Communication/Raising awarenessWe plan to expand the educational exhibition across additional European regions to further raise awareness and gather public and institutional support.