In the context of the UNESCO Forum on Biodiversity

Follow the event livestream (English and French) on: https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-forum-biodiversity

02:45-03:45 pm (Time in Paris, France, GMT+1)

Human health and well-being, including sustainable and equitable economic development, depend on the health and safety of the ocean. The ocean provides food and sustenance for more than 3 billion people. It is an essential ally in the fight against climate change and the erosion of biodiversity, and is a source of important cultural, aesthetic and recreational values. This session aims to highlight the central role of the ocean in the post-COVID world. It underlines that, in addition to ensuring an equitable and sustainable recovery, we must act now if we are to achieve real climate action, preserve biodiversity and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Ocean health is central to achieving these goals. The purpose of the Ocean Science Decade is “to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean”. Building on the experience of different actors (scientists, the media, sportspeople and civil society), it will highlight innovative actions rooted in science, emphasizing the appropriation of knowledge by society as a whole and its use for a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future.

Speakers:

• Jesse H. Ausubel, Director of the Human Environment Program at Rockefeller University
• Damian Carrington, The Guardian's Environment Editor
• Maya Gabeira, Brazil, Surfer
• Boris Hermann, skipper of the Vendée Globe Challenge, 2020-2021
• Romain Troublé, Director-General, Tara Foundations
• Enric Sala, Explorer and Initiator of the Pristine Seas Project, National Geographic

The Forum will include a special session dedicated to ocean and biodiversity, with key speakers from a variety of stakeholder groups.

For more information, please contact:

Rejane Hervé (r.herve@unesco.org)