APFIC URGED TO TAKE PART IN PREVENTING CLIMATE CHANGE

Manado, N Sulawesi, Aug 11 (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Freddy Numberi has expressed hope that Asia Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) member states will take part in efforts to prevent climate change.

APFIC must think of the impact of global warming on fishermen and marine bioatas, he said when opening the 30th main session of APFIC here on Monday.

He said climate change and global warming could cause a great disaster any time if human beings kept using fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

The world community already knew that global warming was causing ice on the North Pole to melt, a rise in sea temperature, prolonged droughts, massive floods, coral bleaching and cyclones, he said.

He said APFIC should also be able to provide nutritious food to the community and manage the food industry in sustainable and responsible ways.

APFIC Secretary MR Simon meanwhile underscored the serious need for Asia-Pacific countries to take steps to address the impact of global warming, particularly in the marine sector.

The APFIC meeting will last until Wednesday.

Also present at the opening ceremony were North Sulawesi Governor SH Sarundajang and a representaives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).