In May 2004, over 550 leading marine scientists, policy-makers and representatives of the marine industry sector, from all corners of the European Union (EU+25), gathered in Galway, Ireland, at the EurOCEAN 2004 Conference. Their objective: to determine how marine science and technology can contribute to the achievement of European Union objectives as stated in the Lisbon, Gothenburg and Barcelona Declarations. Namely, to make the European Union the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, based on the application of science and technology and the principles of sustainable development.
A first output of the EurOCEAN 2004 Conference is the Galway Declaration which states that the marine science community will work collectively to ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of:
- the crucial role of the oceans in climate, carbon cycle and Life on Earth.
- the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda.
- the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment.
- the critical role the European Research Area / 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science & technology.
Click here for a full copy of the Galway Declaration in PDF format.
