The “Blue Talks” aims to be a bridge event to the second UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, which will take place in Lisbon, Portugal from June 27 to July 1, 2022.

Covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean is vital to life and plays a critical role in our planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate system. From the oxygen we breathe to food, security, and nourishment, among many other services, the ocean provides incalculable environmental, social, economic, and cultural benefits to mankind.

Warming, acidification, deoxygenation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction are all severe challenges to the ocean’s health caused by anthropogenic activity and climate change.

With the motto “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Stocktaking, partnerships, and solutions”, the 2022 Ocean UN Conference will address pressing challenges to achieve the goal to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development” by 2030.

Held in the Embassy of Portugal, on May 20th, from 8am to 2pm EDT, “Blue Talks” will bring together major scientific, academic, and government stakeholders for an interactive dialogue aligned with the UN Decade of the Oceans, the All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance, and the AIR Centre scientific agenda, as well as the UN Ocean Conference’s objectives.

We look forward for you to join us towards a more sustainable Ocean!