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On Monday, July 21, we celebrated Japan’s “Marine Day” with two programs: “Blue Economy and Blue Fisheries” and “Achievements and Future Prospects of the Third UN Ocean Conference.” These programs shared global trends toward solving ocean issues, based on the discussions and summaries from the Third UN Ocean Conference held in Nice in June.
Blue Economy and Blue Fisheries
The first program invited experts in the ocean-related fields from Italy to hold a lecture and talk session on the themes of “Blue Economy (sustainable ocean economy)” and “Blue Fisheries (environmentally friendly fishing).” Yusuke Saraya, Chairman of ZERI Japan, opened the event, emphasizing that protecting the bounty of the ocean, the foundation that supports the future of humanity, is our responsibility to future generations. He also called for the Osaka-Kansai Expo as an opportunity to expand new international cooperation focused on the ocean. Following the opening remarks, Eric Le Caire, CEO of Saraya MedTech, presented his vision for realizing a decarbonized marine industry utilizing renewable energy and hydrogen technology. He introduced his company’s concept for a “zero-emission fishing vessel” that utilizes bubble curtain technology, based on operational demonstrations of a plastic collection system and a bubble curtain fishing gear system. This technology captures fish alive and releases the juveniles back into the sea, leading to “lifeless fishing.” Mario Mattioli, Chairman of Federazione del Mare, spoke about the current state and outlook for the blue economy in Italy and Europe. Noting that the maritime industry accounts for approximately 10% of Italy’s GDP and employs over one million people, he highlighted the progress being made in balancing the economy and the environment. He also explained the efforts of the European Maritime Cluster, which integrates shipbuilding, ports, renewable energy, and fishing. He emphasized that the ocean is a shared resource that transcends borders, and that “the blue economy is a global growth engine.” Achievements and Future
Outlook of the Third UN Ocean Conference
In the second program, a special keynote speech was delivered by Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, who played a key role in planning and supporting the deliberations at the UN Ocean Conference. Thomson emphasized that the health of the oceans is the foundation of all human activity and pointed out the current lagging international efforts. He also emphasized the progress made at the UN Ocean Conference in addressing sea level rise and achieving the “30 by 30” goal, highlighting the significance of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. Tiago Pitta e Cunha, CEO of the Oceano Azul Foundation, praised ocean conservation efforts in Japan and at the Osaka Expo and emphasized the importance of achieving the “30 by 30” goal by 2030. He stressed the importance of international cooperation, stressing the necessity for a shift in behavior that considers sustainability not just from a national perspective but from a global perspective.
The second session then moved on to a rotating lineup of speakers. Silvia Tavares, Senior Project Manager for Marine Conservation at Oceano Azul Foundation, presented Portugal’s concrete achievements, including the establishment of the Azores Marine Conservation Network and the establishment of a new 100,000-square-kilometer protected area. She emphasized the key to scientifically based initiatives, engaging local communities, and demonstrating leadership. Diogo Genaudes, Director of Education at the Lisbon Oceanarium, emphasized that education is the foundation of the blue economy and introduced Portugal’s pioneering “ocean literacy education” initiative in Europe. He submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education to incorporate oceans into all subjects from primary to higher education, and stressed that “integrating the ocean into learning and living” is key to a sustainable future.
▼The event is currently available on the BLUE OCEAN DOME Official YouTube Channel. Please take a look.
【#074】Blue Economy and Blue Fisheries
【#075】Results of the Third UN Ocean Conference and Future Outlook