Rising temperatures, pollution and overfishing are causing huge damage to the world’s oceans and the communities that rely on them.
Prince William acknowledged that investing in ocean work can be a tricky proposition for investors.
He is also part of the team that has produced Sir David Attenborough’s new film, Oceans, which Prince William described as “the most compelling argument for immediate action I have ever seen”.
The Prince interviewed Sir David at the premiere of Oceans last month, with the film described by its producer as “the greatest message [Sir David] has ever told”.
Prince William will also attend a closed session, held in private, with ocean experts and investors.
Ocean life is ‘diminishing before our eyes,’ William warns.
Just an hour ago.
Daniela R. Ph.
senior royal correspondent. .
Reporting from Monaco.
Protecting the world’s oceans is a challenge “like none that we have ever faced before,” according to the Prince of Wales. “.
Speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, Prince William urged bold action “on a global, national, and local level” and claimed that life on the ocean floor was “diminishing before our eyes.”.
The Prince described the dangers in both French and English at the Grimaldi Forum, which was named after Monaco’s royal family.
Truth be told, all life on Earth depends on healthy oceans. “They provide food for over three billion people, control our climate, and produce half of the world’s oxygen,” he said.
Oceans around the world and the communities that depend on them are suffering greatly as a result of pollution, overfishing, and rising temperatures.
The forum takes place in advance of this week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, which will examine the importance of oceans for sustainable energy, food security, and international trade.
The Prince was addressing a group of investors, scientists, and environmentalists in Monaco on Sunday; many of them had come to the country in order to fund ocean conservation initiatives.
According to Prince William, it can be challenging for investors to make an investment in ocean work.
“All too often, it can feel distant and disconnected from our everyday lives, allowing us to forget just how vital it is,” he stated. “The blue economy’s potential for our ecosystems, economies, and communities must be realized. “.
As the creator of the Earthshot Prize, which awards five £1 million prizes annually for the best answers to the biggest climate problems, the Prince was speaking.
A number of previous finalists and Earthshot winners were present.
Enric Sala, who has led the way in marine conservation, was a finalist in 2021 for the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas project.
Additionally, he is a member of the production team behind Oceans, the latest film from Sir David Attenborough, which Prince William called “the most compelling argument for immediate action I have ever seen.”.
The Prince remarked, “It is heartbreaking to see human activity turning stunning sea forests into arid deserts at the bottom of our oceans.”.
“It serves as a stark reminder to many of the state of our oceans. But “out of sight, out of mind” is no longer an option. “,”.
In closing, he cited Sir David and stated that action was required for future generations.
“Our world is saved if we save the sea. “.
At Oceans’ premiere last month, the Prince spoke with Sir David, who was referred to as having “the greatest message [Sir David] has ever told” by the film’s producer.
According to Kensington Palace, Prince William’s speech was a “landmark intervention,” leveraging his position to effect change and attract funding to expand ocean solutions.
The Prince met President Chavez of Costa Rica, President Macron of France, and Prince Albert of Monaco, a prominent participant at the forum and supporter of numerous oceans projects, while he was in southern France.
In addition, Prince William is scheduled to attend a private, closed session with investors and ocean experts.
Adam Hale had more to report.
