As the European elections marked a turning point for the European Union, the 4th edition of Ocean Week is currently taking place within the Parliament.
This major event is happening at a crucial time for European environmental policy. Organized by six NGOs that are particularly active in the field of ocean protection, including Surfrider Foundation, this week of events aims to raise awareness among the 720 new MEPs (Members of European Parliament) and general public about the significant issues facing the ocean and marine ecosystems.
Placing the Ocean at the Heart of European Political Discussions
The ocean plays a vital role in the planet’s balance: it regulates the climate, provides oxygen, and houses unique biodiversity. It is also a major economic ally for millions of people. However, due to destructive human activities and overexploitation, the ocean is now more threatened than ever: overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, acidification, and the destruction of marine habitats are some of the many pressures weighing on the ocean.
In light of these threats, the European Union has a major role to play. The coming years are crucial for the ocean, seas, and coastlines. It is urgent that all three are placed at the center of European environmental policies to ensure a viable future for generations to come.
Ocean Week is organized with this in mind. It represents a key moment for the organizing NGOs, providing an opportunity to meet and, most importantly, to raise the awareness of MEPs about the importance of implementing ambitious policies to protect the ocean.
A Week of Events to Draw Attention
Ocean Week is a significant moment during which we promote a constructive dialogue between experts, NGOs, European MPs, and other political stakeholders.
This fourth edition, particularly marked by the arrival of new MEPs, offers a series of conferences, workshops, screenings, and roundtable discussions on topics as varied as marine environment protection and restoration, fishing, pollution, and renewable energy at sea.
To broaden the reach of our messages, most of the events organized as part of Ocean Week are also accessible to the media and the general public. This openness to civil society helps draw attention to the problems the ocean is facing and strengthens the pressure on decision-makers to ensure ocean health is placed at the core of the EU’s concerns and policies.
The objectives of these events are :
– To better understand marine issues,
– To promote more ambitious European policies to protect the ocean,
– And to drive the acceleration of the adoption of concrete policies in line with the European Green Deal.
Focus on the Blue Manifesto and the Ocean Lab
To achieve the set objectives and ensure our messages are heard, Ocean Week is punctuated by several key moments, including two flagship events:
- The Presentation of the Blue Manifesto: introduced by the organizing coalition of NGOs and updated specifically for the occasion, this document proposes a series of policy recommendations for better protection of the ocean and marine ecosystems in Europe.
- Ocean Lab: A “think tank” dedicated to the ocean. True innovation of this fourth edition, Ocean Lab is an interactive workshop in the form of “speed-dating” discussions. It allows MEPs to interact directly with experts, scientists, and NGO representatives on five central themes: sustainable fishing, energy transition, biodiversity, pollution, and the blue economy. This unique format offers a conducive framework for dynamic and personalized exchanges, enabling MEPs to deepen their understanding of ocean related challenges and possible solutions. Each expert has around fifteen minutes to present the problem, identify obstacles and action levers, and propose clear recommendations to the MEPs. This event aims not only to inform new MEPs but also to encourage them to firmly commit to more ambitious policies for ocean protection.
Towards a European “Ocean Deal”
This new edition of Ocean Week aspires to lay the foundation for an ambitious “Ocean Deal”: a European plan aimed at reducing pressures on marine ecosystems while promoting their restoration. This initiative would encourage the implementation of more coherent policies across sectors related to the ocean: fishing, energy, maritime trade, etc.
The long-term goal is to make the EU a global leader in ocean protection, particularly at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference. For this to happen, it is crucial that new MEPs commit now to strong policies that will ensure a sustainable future for the oceans.
Ocean Week is not just about raising awareness; it’s a true call to action. It highlights the vital importance of the oceans and the need to rethink our policies and behaviors toward them. This week of events engages not only European MEPs but also citizens, experts, and the media, in a collective effort to protect the oceans and ensure their sustainability.
As the future of the oceans hangs in the balance, it is more important than ever for the EU to make ambitious political decisions and embrace its role as a global leader in the protection of this essential common good.
Discover the new Blue Manifesto :
🇬🇧 The Roadmap To A Healthy Ocean in 2030
🇩🇪 Der Fahrplan Für Gesunde Meere Im Jahr 2030
🇪🇸 La Hoja De Ruta Para Un Oceano Saludable En 2030
