The city of Lisbon, in Portugal, hosts, on the 29th and 30th of October, the first edition of the Ocean Summit, an event that will bring together renowned experts from four continents. The event promises to drive new discoveries about the oceans and create unprecedented opportunities for sharing knowledge and innovation.
According to a note from the organization, the Ocean Summit 2024 will take place at the Planetarium and Marine Museum and will be the stage for global discussions on the sustainability of the oceans, bringing together leading international experts and political representatives, such as Paulo Veiga, who is the President of the Carlos Albertino Veiga Foundation and former Minister of the Sea of Cape Verde, Rear Admiral Ramalho Marreiros, who is director of the Hydrographic Institute, and Fabien Cousteau, grandson of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Over the two days, the Ocean Summit promises to be the milestone of a new era of marine exploration, placing the Portuguese capital at the center of innovation and international collaboration. The event aims to drive new discoveries and promote dialogue on topics such as climate change, preservation of marine biodiversity, blue economy and governance of ocean resources.
The president of the Carlos Albertino Veiga Foundation, Paulo Veiga, highlighted the relevance of the conference, stating that “the Ocean Summit is a unique opportunity to bring together brilliant minds and discuss concrete solutions to protect our oceans, which are the heart of our planet. It is through collaboration and innovation that we will be able to address the global challenges facing our seas, ensuring that future generations can benefit from a healthy and sustainable ocean.”
Paulo Veiga also highlighted Lisbon’s role as host of the event, highlighting that “Portugal has a centuries-old connection to the sea; As the ocean is one of the greatest national heritages, Lisbon is the ideal stage to host this Summit.”
During the first day, debates will focus on the impact of climate change on biodiversity and the law of the sea. Experts such as Mark Patterson, professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Vasco Becker-Weinberg, specialist in maritime law, will lead the discussions. The second day will be dedicated to the blue economy and sustainable tourism, with presentations from business leaders and experts who will explore how investment can drive ocean innovation and sustainability.
In addition to bringing together decision-makers and scientists, Ocean Summit 2024 has a strong appeal for public participation. The event will be open to the public, with no registration required, offering a unique opportunity for all interested parties to participate and collaborate in defining the future of the oceans. This openness to the public provides an opportunity to engage directly in global debates on the protection and sustainable exploitation of the seas.
The event will also highlight the strategic relationship between Cape Verde and Portugal in the context of ocean preservation and exploration. Atlantic cooperation platforms will be discussed, focusing on the blue economy and opportunities for both countries regarding the sustainable development of the seas. For Cape Verde, where the ocean represents 99% of the national territory, this cooperation offers new perspectives for the growth of its economy linked to the sea.
About the Carlos Albertino Veiga Foundation: founded in 2000, its mission is to promote human and sustainable development in Cape Verde, with a special focus on the most vulnerable communities. With the ocean occupying a central place in its strategy, the foundation invests in protecting marine resources and strengthening local capacities to benefit from the archipelago’s immense maritime potential.
Proteus Ocean Group (POG) is developing PROTEUS™, a state-of-the-art modular and sustainable underwater habitat designed as the “International Space Station of the Sea”. This collaborative platform will enable advances in ocean science, from climate solutions to renewable energy, promoting the sustainable future of the oceans through scientific and technological innovations.
Ocean Summit 2024 promises to be a transformative event, providing an opportunity for scientists, political leaders and the general public to join forces in building a more sustainable future for the oceans, as Lisbon reaffirms itself as the focal point of global ocean science.
