One of the most exciting items of news this year for all initiatives focused on oceans and keeping our oceans clean is the fact that the Norwegian government earlier this year doubled its allocation to develop programmes around the world that combat marine litter to NOK 280 million (about R470 million).
Norway has taken a powerful stand for ocean health. At a recent function in Cape Town attended by SST, Erik Solheim, Executive Director of UNEP, he said there are many examples of excellent leadership in the environmental world, and the message of positivity needs to be communicated. Norway is certainly taking a lead in this, including supporting SST. Although it has a strong focus on Asia, it also recently acknowledged that Africa needs great assistance in getting on track with ocean health and other SDG goals.
Late this July, the SST team presented to Alf Yngve Friiso and Professor Karl Klingsheim from the Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria, who generously spent time at the SST offices in Port Elizabeth to help prepare and align us with the goals of the Norwegian government in our funding application.
(From left) Alf Yngve Friiso and Professor Karl Klingsheim from the Norwegian embassy in Pretoria, together with SST’s Amarein Fourie, Dr Tony Ribbink and Stephanie Martin
