The azure window has been closed but with 'our ocean' conference we can still open a door - Main contents

Today one of Malta's most well known sites, the Gozo, Azure Window, collapsed into the sea after violent storms. It is hard to think that such an iconic symbol is lost. We are again reminded of the power of nature.

Tieqa tad-Dweira was recently chosen as the symbol of the upcoming Our Ocean conference www.ourocean2017.org, which the European Union will host in Malta, October 5-6.

This conference can be a fitting tribute to the Azure Window, and to Malta’s relationship with the sea.

The Conference will raise awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems. It is an opportunity for the European Union to steer the global ocean agenda. It calls for everybody to join forces and save the oceans by committing to action in four main areas: marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, climate change and marine pollution.

I am looking forward to many high-level commitments, from the public and private sector, and I am looking forward to working together with researchers, NGOs and civil society at large to protect the richness of our oceans.

We have had a stark reminder today of the transience of things. Now we will use this news to make sure we protect what we can - including the sea where the Azure window now rests beneath the waves.