Protecting Our Ocean Heritage

Join us for two insightful presentations on the protection of the oceans and the ecosystem with Olivier Poivre d’Arvor— Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference and Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans — and Harriet Harden-Davies— Director of the Nippon Foundation–University of Edinburgh Ocean Voices Programme.

 

Presentation with Olivier Poivre d’Arvor

The oceans and the ecosystem services they provide are under serious threat. The causes have been identified for decades: overfishing, marine pollution, plastic, climate change and its consequences ocean warming or acidification. All in all the oceans are in a bad state now. Humankind has clearly failed to sustainably use the marine natural capital and to ensure that the oceans can continue to provide endlessly their ecosystem services.
Nevertheless, the recognition and correct assessment of individual threats is a precondition for future sustainable ocean use. Some discussions and initiatives are existing at the international level for preventing the situation of oceans and seas to be worse. What are these initiatives and what do the States for supporting the long-term sustainability of the seas? The preservation of the oceans must be the global top priority and raising our awareness.
 

Presentation with Harriet Harden-Davies

In 2023, the United Nations took a historic step forward by adopting the BBNJ Agreement—a landmark treaty designed to protect life in the vast, shared spaces of our ocean. Covering both the high seas and the deep seabed, this agreement strengthens the global framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity beyond national borders, where ecosystems are under increasing pressure.
But adoption is only the beginning. How can this ambitious agreement be turned into real-world impact? What challenges lie ahead, and what solutions are within reach—especially when it comes to building the capacity needed to implement it effectively across the globe?