Prince Albert II Advocates for Ocean Protection at Paris SOS Ocean Summit
Global leaders converge in Paris to address critical ocean health issues ahead of UNOC-3.
On March 31, 2025, Prince Albert II of Monaco joined an array of global leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates at the SOS Ocean Summit held in Paris, an event focused on the urgent need for marine ecosystem preservation.
This summit precedes the upcoming third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France.
The summit highlighted dire warnings from experts regarding the deteriorating condition of the world's oceans, exacerbated by extreme weather phenomena, rising sea levels, overexploitation of resources, and increasing pollution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had previously raised the alarm from the Pacific region, urging governments to ramp up their efforts for ocean conservation.
Key objectives outlined during the summit include immediate actions to restore ocean health, the protection of 30% of marine areas by 2030, investment in sustainable blue economies, and the assurance of environmental resilience for future generations.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who participated in the closing session of the summit, presented preliminary directives for UNOC-3. This upcoming conference is part of France's initiative to elevate ocean-related discussions nationally through '2025, Year of the Sea,' aimed at raising public awareness about ocean issues via various events throughout the country.
Prince Albert II's participation underscores Monaco's longstanding commitment to ocean preservation, reinforcing the Principality's role as a significant player in global conservation efforts.
During the summit, he expressed concern about the political barriers hindering effective action against marine degradation.
Notable figures at the event included American actor Harrison Ford and marine biologist Sylvia Earle, showcasing the diverse support behind ocean conservation.
Prince Albert II cautioned that climate change is causing dramatic biodiversity loss and the gradual depletion of ocean health.
He referenced challenges faced by the scientific community, particularly the recent inability of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to agree on a work program due to mounting pressure from certain states resistant to backing independent climate research.
Despite these challenges, Albert II maintained a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the emergence of strong support from non-governmental organizations, scientists, and economically active parties championing a sustainable blue economy.
The SOS Ocean Summit reflects Monaco's broader initiatives, including the Monaco Blue Initiative, positioning the country as a proactive advocate for ocean health.
During the summit’s conclusion, President Macron revealed France's diplomatic objectives concerning ocean protection, which align with the themes of UNOC-3, focusing on marine ecosystem restoration and the establishment of marine sanctuaries.
This summit precedes the upcoming third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France.
The summit highlighted dire warnings from experts regarding the deteriorating condition of the world's oceans, exacerbated by extreme weather phenomena, rising sea levels, overexploitation of resources, and increasing pollution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had previously raised the alarm from the Pacific region, urging governments to ramp up their efforts for ocean conservation.
Key objectives outlined during the summit include immediate actions to restore ocean health, the protection of 30% of marine areas by 2030, investment in sustainable blue economies, and the assurance of environmental resilience for future generations.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who participated in the closing session of the summit, presented preliminary directives for UNOC-3. This upcoming conference is part of France's initiative to elevate ocean-related discussions nationally through '2025, Year of the Sea,' aimed at raising public awareness about ocean issues via various events throughout the country.
Prince Albert II's participation underscores Monaco's longstanding commitment to ocean preservation, reinforcing the Principality's role as a significant player in global conservation efforts.
During the summit, he expressed concern about the political barriers hindering effective action against marine degradation.
Notable figures at the event included American actor Harrison Ford and marine biologist Sylvia Earle, showcasing the diverse support behind ocean conservation.
Prince Albert II cautioned that climate change is causing dramatic biodiversity loss and the gradual depletion of ocean health.
He referenced challenges faced by the scientific community, particularly the recent inability of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to agree on a work program due to mounting pressure from certain states resistant to backing independent climate research.
Despite these challenges, Albert II maintained a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the emergence of strong support from non-governmental organizations, scientists, and economically active parties championing a sustainable blue economy.
The SOS Ocean Summit reflects Monaco's broader initiatives, including the Monaco Blue Initiative, positioning the country as a proactive advocate for ocean health.
During the summit’s conclusion, President Macron revealed France's diplomatic objectives concerning ocean protection, which align with the themes of UNOC-3, focusing on marine ecosystem restoration and the establishment of marine sanctuaries.
