The Prince of Wales is set to deliver a significant address at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco this weekend, coinciding with World Oceans Day. During this landmark speech, he aims to galvanise both environmentalists and investors to collaborate in protecting the world's oceans, which face unprecedented threats from rising temperatures, pollution, and overfishing. According to a spokesperson from Kensington Palace, Prince William is determined to push for immediate global action, expressing that “the time is now” to address these urgent challenges.

Organised as a precursor to the UN Oceans Conference in Nice next week, the forum will serve as a vital platform for discussing the role of oceans in global trade, food security, and sustainable energy. It will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including finance professionals, philanthropists, and NGOs, underlining the collaborative spirit necessary for successful ocean conservation efforts. Prince Albert II of Monaco, a longstanding advocate for ocean projects, has also emphasised the importance of this gathering in turning ambitious goals into tangible actions.

The weight of the issues at hand is stark; the ocean is not only vital for producing at least 50% of the planet's oxygen but also provides daily protein for approximately 30% of the global population. Speaking at similar forums, Prince Albert has consistently called for a coordinated response to the challenges facing marine ecosystems. Last month, he reiterated these points at the United Nations, where he implored for urgent measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our oceans, framing the preservation of marine environments as an imperative for future generations.

Prince William's involvement in this forum also reflects his growing role as a global statesman dedicated to environmental advocacy. He is known for his leadership of the Earthshot Prize, which seeks innovative solutions to climate-related challenges. The Prince has gained inspiration from figures like Sir David Attenborough, who has highlighted the profound significance of oceans in his recent film, further underscoring the need for collective action. Attenborough's insights add gravitas to the narrative that the health of our oceans is increasingly pivotal for the planet's sustainability.

Moreover, the forum's location in Monaco, a wealthy tax haven, positions it as an attractive destination for influential investors looking to contribute to environmental protection initiatives. Among the participants will be various financial leaders who possess the resources to drive significant change. Notably, Sam Teicher, co-founder of CoralVita—winner of the inaugural Earthshot Prize—will be present to share insights on harnessing capitalism for good. Teicher’s innovative approach to coral farming, aimed at restoring dying reefs, underscores the necessity of merging environmental goals with investments.

This blending of economic insight and environmental necessity is essential to mobilise the "serious cash and investors" gathered in Monaco. Teicher's firm has recently secured approximately £6 million in funding, allowing them to accelerate marine restoration efforts at a critical juncture when global biodiversity is under threat. By highlighting the intersection of philanthropy and business, this forum aims to showcase that environmental solutions can indeed be profitable, thereby rethinking traditional perceptions about investment in ocean health.

Through this event, Prince William not only seeks to elevate the discourse around ocean conservation but also aims to initiate actionable outcomes that align financial motives with environmental stewardship. By leveraging high-profile attendance and the platform provided by the forum, the Prince's efforts in Monaco represent a strategic approach to engage influential stakeholders in the quest to safeguard our oceans for future generations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services