More than three billion people rely on oceans for their livelihoods, placed at risk by climate change, overfishing and pollution. Recognising this, leaders from more than 110 countries have committed to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. However significant innovation investment is needed to realise opportunities from marine plastic waste and ocean-based carbon removal, to growth industries in sustainable seafood, ocean energy and tourism. Key figures in ocean conservation gathered to discuss critical challenges and consider solutions that could contribute to a sustainable future by 2030. Here’s an overview of their main insights. This session was presented with Ocean Impact Organisation.

Summary of Key Discussion Points:

• Innovation Investment: Invest in innovations for marine plastic waste management and ocean-based carbon removal technologies to address pollution and climate change impacts effectively.

• Sustainable Industries: Support the growth of sustainable industries such as seafood, ocean energy, and tourism, which can provide economic benefits while preserving marine ecosystems.

• Community Consultation: Ensure comprehensive community consultation for ocean projects, obtaining social license and fostering local support for sustainable initiatives.

• Global Cooperation: Emphasise the importance of international cooperation for ocean health initiatives, leveraging collective action to address global challenges.

• Urgency and Action: Balance the need for urgent action with calculated scientific decisions to ensure that interventions are effective and sustainable in the long term.

• Pacific Focus: Highlight the importance of the Pacific region in global ocean health strategies, advocating for increased attention and resources to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Speakers, Presenters and Moderators:

Dr. Ana Novak, Co-founder & CEO, Blue Carbon

Elisa-Marie Dumas, Head of Programs, Ocean Impact Organisation

Greg Johannes, Board Chair, Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre

Jas Chambers, Co-founder, Ocean Decade Australia

Kushaal Raj, Pacific Policy Director, Conservation International

My Therese Blank, Head of Oceania Market, Regional Ocean Management, A.P Moller Maersk

Nick Chiarelli, CEO Ocean Impact Organisation

Sarah Altmann, Head of Public Affairs, Star of the South

Tim Silverwood, Co-founder, Ocean Impact Organisation

Tom Loefler, CEO, Co-founder, Hullbot

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, Wildlife Scientist & Author

Read more in the September 2024 issue of Impact Leadership magazine.

Source of Information: Impact X Summit Sydney: Climate and Nature 2030 Report