New Zealand plans to create marine reserve in OceaniaSeptember 30, 2015 - 12:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New Zealand has revealed plans to turn an area of the South Pacific about the size of France into a marine reserve, BBC News reports. The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary lies north of the mainland and includes a chain of islands and underwater volcanoes. Prime Minister John Key made the announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Fishing and mining will be banned in what Key called "one of the most geographically and geologically diverse areas in the world." "New Zealanders value our coasts and oceans, which are an important part of our culture, economy and environment and we are committed to managing them sustainably," he said in a statement. The government is aiming to pass legislation to create the marine reserve next year. The area to be protected is a vast 620,000 sq km stretch of the South Pacific, about 1,000km north-east of North Island. It contains the 10-km deep Kermadec trench, one of the deepest ocean trenches in the world, and is rich in sealife including whales, dolphins, endangered turtles and sea birds. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |