At the Blue Economy Forum's final day in Monaco, leaders urged global action to protect oceans. The Prince of Wales called for 'urgency and optimism', while French President Macron slammed climate deniers, promising 'strong decisions' with other governments soon.
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Hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco, the final day of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) closed with leaders pledging their support and calling for global responsibility to protect the oceans.
William, Prince of Wales, said the challenge of protecting the world's oceans was "like none that we have faced before" and that the clock is ticking:
"I believe that urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history. I'm an optimist because as the founder of the Earthshot Prize, I see the incredible examples of the ideas, innovations and technologies that are harnessing the power of the ocean whilst protecting its vitality."
"Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to barren deserts, the base of our oceans is simply heart-breaking for many. It is an urgent wake-up call to just what is going on in our oceans, but it can no longer be a matter of out of sight, out of mind. The need to act to protect our ocean is now in full view, as ever," Prince William added.
Not 'a matter of opinion'
Meanwhile, in his closing speech, French President Emmanuel Macron criticised countries that deny climate change and cut budgets on this matter.
“We've been hearing that, basically, climate change, the threat to biodiversity, the issue of the oceans, all of that, is a matter of opinion," Macron said. He continued:
"I'm going to tell you: no, we don't have the right to do that because it's not an opinion, but it's scientifically established."
The French president also hinted at potential developments in the near future:
"We have a duty to mobilise because the science is clear and the facts are there. There is no inevitability. And so, with a few governments, we will in the coming days make strong decisions and mobilise the international community."
A major focus of the weeklong summit was the push to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which would enable conservation in international waters.
The forum is the precursor to the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice, where more than 50 world leaders are expected to attend. The US administration will not send representatives.