Ambassador of Thailand to Norway, paid a study visit to Svolvær, Lofoten and met with CEO, Norwegian Centre against Marine Litter (MARFO)

วันที่นำเข้าข้อมูล 30 Mar 2023

วันที่ปรับปรุงข้อมูล 30 Mar 2023

| 12,661 view

On 23 March 2023, H.E. Ms. Vimolbajra Ruksakiati, Ambassador of Thailand to Norway, paid a study visit to Svolvær, Lofoten and met with Ms. Ann-Helen Ernstsen, CEO, Norwegian Centre against Marine Litter (MARFO) in order to exchange views and learn about Norway’s expertise on marine debris management as well as Norwegian innovation and technology to combat marine litters, which Thailand can learn as best practices. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Monsak Jangariyawong, Minister Counsellor, and Ms. Kanoknapat Suksong, Researcher and coordinator of Thailand and Nordic Countries Innovation Unit (TNIU).

In 2018, the Norwegian government established the Centre for Oil Spill and Marine Environment under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport in Svolvær, Lofoten. During 2018-2021, the Centre worked on prevention of oil leakage and marine debris management. In 2021, the Centre was reconstructed and placed under the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment with the new name as the Norwegian Centre against Marine Litter (MARFO). MARFO is responsible for marine debris management and reduction of marine litter and coordination at both national and international levels. MARFO held a biennial Lighthouse Lofoten International Conference which is a platform for information sharing on marine debris management and reduction of marine litter as well as for showcasing successful preventive solutions. The Lighthouse Conference was first held in 2019 and previously held in April 2022.

The Norwegian government places high priority on the management of marine debris and is the first government in the world to establish a specialized center, MARFO, working on marine debris since it has the second longest coastline in the world. MARFO developed and launched applications “Rydde” and “Rent hav” as platforms for all sectors, volunteers or community members, to contribute data on marine debris, which will be used in the national planning against marine litter, reflecting the Norwegian government's efforts in addressing environmental issues by linking and raising awareness of all sectors and individuals.

In her briefing, Ms. Ann-Helen Ernstsen said that one of the challenges in combating marine debris is that "No one owns it, and no one wants to spend money on cleaning it." Therefore, we all must join hands and efforts in helping each other to protect and preserve our environment.

Images