Realising the potential of our oceans and coasts

Oceans and coasts are foundations of our well-being and economic prosperity. Oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe and absorb 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity. Marine and coastal ecosystems regulate water quality, attract tourism, protect cities and communities from storms and flooding, and support the livelihoods of millions of people globally. Nearly 3 billion people obtain almost 20% of their animal protein from fish. Increasingly we look to oceans and coasts for new sources of raw materials, medicines, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

Many of the benefits and opportunities provided by oceans and coasts are being missed or lost. Marine and coastal ecosystems and the valuable goods and services they provide are being rapidly degraded as a result of pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction.

On World Oceans Day, please join us in London to hear and discuss how governments, communities and the private sector can respond to these challenges, and how you can help. The event will also mark the launch of a marine-themed photographic competition: all details will be revealed on the night.

Speakers

• A Video Address by HRH The Prince of Wales
• Tony Juniper, Special Adviser, Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit
• John Tanzer, Director, Global Marine Programme, WWF International
• Ben Milligan, Senior Research Associate, UCL

Panellists

• Malini Mehra, Chief Executive, Global Legislators Organisation (moderator)
• Angus Friday, Ambassador to the United States of America, Government of Grenada
• Rupert Howes, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Stewardship Council
• Essam Yassin Mohammed, Senior Researcher, IIED

This event is organised jointly by the International Institute for Environment and Development, The Prince’s Charities’ International Sustainability Unit, UCL and the WWF.

Media contact: Ben Milligan