France, April 17 -- More than 400 commitments amounting to $10 billion were made this week at an international summit on saving the oceans, host country Greece has said.

The annual fundraiser, now in its ninth year, is the first such event to address all issues related to oceans.

This year'sthree-day conference began Monday with delegates from around 120 countries.

The European Unionhas pledged €3.5 billion toprotectthe world's oceans and promote sustainability through a series of initiatives.

In Greece, 21 initiatives with a budget of €780 million are underway as part of a structured strategy for the protection of Greek marine biodiversity.

The government also announced the creation of two new national parks, one in the ...