Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association
History | Background
The Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association has been formed with the initiative of the International Shipping Community of Cyprus with the support of the Commercial Community of the island. CYMEPA is an autonomous, not-for-profit organization funded solely by its members.
CYMEPA was officially registered on the 27th August 1992 as a not-for-profit organization limited by guarantee. A Caretaker Board of Directors has guided CYMEPA to its Official Launching Ceremony and First Annual General Meeting that took place on Sunday, 3rd October 1993.
On that day the Voluntary Declaration "TO SAVE THE SEAS" was signed by the members and was endorsed by the following: International Maritime Organization ( IMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ), the Club of Rome, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the International Group of P & I Clubs and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS ).
Special Endorsement
The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), established in 1982 as the world’s first private sector voluntary marine environment protection association, and which provided a precedent and inspiration for CYMEPA’s foundation, was particularly pleased in being able to endorse the Declaration and Action Plan, which further strengthens and enhances global commitment in environmental protection.
The special Endorsement was signed by HELMEPA Chairman Basil Papachristidis.
Aims
The principal aim of CYMEPA is to encourage and actively assist effective efforts to prevent all forms of pollution of the sea. The Association also helps seafarers and executives to be more aware of safety and the protection of the marine environment. CYMEPA also initiates environmental projects and operates extensive public awareness campaigns, giving priority to environmental education of Schoolchildren.
CYMEPA supports and assists the Government of Cyprus in ratifying and implementing international conventions addressing the protection of the marine environment.
TO SAVE THE SEAS DECLARATION OF A VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT
The oceans are the cradle of life but are seriously endangered by human action. The most serious threat is pollution. Current environmental efforts and regulations are inadequate to control it alone. Accordingly, new and special efforts are urgently needed to remove this threat and to save the seas; therefore,
Believing that protection of the marine environment, the use of the oceans and the exploitation of ocean resources are compatible, providing humanity exercises care, restraint and understanding; and
Confirming that the protection of the global environment requires the highest moral commitment which must take precedence over, but is compatible with, trade, commerce and development;