The Protectors Ocean Series examines the cutting edge of science, technology and radical thinking at work in tackling the crisis facing the world’s seas. This series reflects the passion of those at the front line of marine biology, and tells the story of the challenges we face as we explore the world’s oceans.
The latest film in the series asks five leading thinkers in ocean conservation (including Sir David Attenborough) the question: “If you could invest US$1bn in one ocean solution, what would it be and why?”. The film also brings back previous protectors and asks them about their priorities for investment in the ocean.
Film premiere
The film premiere was screened during a live webinar on June 8th 2020. Peter Thomson, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy for the ocean introduced the film, giving his view on why now, more than ever, careful consideration must be given to how and where to invest in ocean solutions.
I then moderated a fantastic panel discussion discussing the film’s insights. I was joined by Alexandra Cousteau, senior advisor, Oceana and Maria Damanaki, global ambassador for oceans at The Nature Conservancy.
The panel discussion highlighted the following:
- Key lessons that have made them a successful ocean protector
- Critical challenges and how they overcame them
- How investments in ocean protection have the strongest impact and longevity
The full webinar recording is below:
A summary article on the webinar is here.
On June 10th, the next World Ocean Summit Insight Hour will discuss solutions to manage plastic waste from source to sea.
The World Ocean Summit is scheduled to take place in Lisbon on March 2nd-4th 2021.