“Oceans are precious, let us protect them”. This catch phrase sums up the spirit of the 3rd edition of the Monaco Ocean Week (#MOW2019) that will be held in the Principality of Monaco from 24th until 30th March 2019, under the auspices of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monegasque Government, the Institut Océanographique de Monaco, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the Yacht Club de Monaco.
A weekly full immersion on the major issues concerning the survival of the ocean biodiversity, a common ground heritage which we all depend on. A highly topical subject that is increasingly drawing the attention of Media and Social Media denouncing how human activities are destroying the delicate balance of our seas. Therefore, an international panel made of the most renowned figures in different fields will gather to debate on innovation, research and Blue Economy development.
What progress can be envisaged in bio-mimetics, an innovative imitation process of natural models, systems and elements to improve man-environment relationship? Which benefits can derive from bioplastics? What about rethinking the yachting towards a more sustainable way of sailing? How can we join forces to fight effectively against macro and micro plastic sea pollution, entered in the food chain of all living beings? Which is the most efficient way to encourage a sustainable management of the oceans? These are just some of the key questions the stakeholders will try to answer throughout that week at different locations like: Musée Océanographique, Yacht Club de Monaco, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, International Hydrographic Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency and Stars ‘N’ Bars.
Furthermore, the 2019 edition will offer the audience the chance to discover more about the preservation of the Southern right whales in Argentina, following the Ice Lady Patagonia II expedition, within a conference promoted by the Association Monaco Argentina (AMA) in the presence of Enrique Alberto Crespo, specialist in cetaceans and researcher at the Scientific Technological Centre in Patagonia. Moreover, the BeMed 2019 top initiatives will focus on how to promote a plastic-free Mediterranean Sea.
The 10th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative will focus, in parallel, to the expansion of marine protected areas, vital sanctuaries of marine species, that currently represent only 7,44% of the total surface of the oceans. The target is then to reinforce their actions and better coordinate one another to implement a sustainable coexistence between coastal populations and marine resources exploitation as well as fighting against climate change through a proactive coordination between social, economic and governmental parties. Only through a coordinated global action, in fact, and an easier way to share compatible scientific data we can get out the non-operative “business as usual” approach to change our attitude into an environmentally-friendly one.
A challenge that is totally affordable, as pointed out at the preview press conference held at the Yacht Club de Monaco, on the 28th February 2019 in the presence of distinguished guests like Cyril Gomez, Director General of the Ministry of Public Works, Environment and Urban Development, Robert Calcagno, CEO at Oceanographic Institute Foundation Albert I, Bernard D’Alessandri, general manager at YCM and Denis Allemand, director of the Monaco Scientific Centre.
But what will Monaco Ocean Week represent for the Principality? HelloMonaco asked H.E. Bernard Fautrier (B.F.), Vice-President of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
HelloMonaco: His Excellency, Monaco Ocean Week 2019 points clearly the vital role played by marine biodiversity, what inspires this mission?
B.F.: We should not forget that oceans cover more than 70% of the Planet surface being part of the great majority of human activities and resources. Thus, we need to learn how to better preserve their integrity through an even more sustainable management. At the same time, we have to increase our knowledge about marine ecosystems thanks to the contribution of the scientific community.
HelloMonaco: Which will be the main assets of that Blue week?
B.F.: We refer to about 40 major events concerning different topics, from scientific to technological and educational. The latter will be boosting eco-awareness like the creation of the “Aire Marine Educative de Monaco” (Monaco Educational Marine Air), a pilot project involving the 7th grade C class of the Monegasque Révoires School in a participatory bio management of a targeted coastal area. That outlines the importance of making new generations be aware of the state of health of the oceans. A further set of meetings are devoted to the safeguarding of specific environments as the coral reefs and other reservoirs. All that will allow us to have a more positive attitude to be still in time to keep marine ecosystems alive.
Official Website Link: www.monacooceanweek.org
Social Media Links: #MOW2019 #monacooceanweek #monacooceanweek2019
