Prince William has given an address at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco calling for ambitious action ‘on a global, national and local level’ in protecting the oceans.
Arriving at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum via a signature “blue carpet,” William was warmly welcomed by Prince Albert II of Monaco and posed alongside key figures including France’s Emmanuel Macron, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Costa Rica’s Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
Addressing a room of international audience of policymakers, investors, scientists, and environmental leaders, William began in French saying ‘We come together today united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety. For many of us, it is a place where some of our happiest memories are made… where we have explored the wonders of the natural world… and we have all relied on its great abundance for our food and livelihoods.’
The Prince did not shy away from the stark realities currently facing the marine world. Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction were key themes of his address highlighting how ‘the truth is that healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate our climate and provide food for more than three billion people. And today, they need our help.’
‘Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems and on the people and communities who depend most upon them.’
‘What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted. And we are all responsible for change – both negative and positive. But there remains time to turn this tide.’
‘I am an optimist’ he told the forum ‘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’.
Highlighting some of these breakthroughs – many of which have emerged through Earthshot finalists – he described a global landscape of possibility if investment and ambition align. However, the Prince acknowledged the challenges that ocean-focused initiatives often face:
‘All too often, it can feel distant and disconnected from our everyday lives, allowing us to forget just how vital it is. Investing in ocean work can be a tricky proposition for investors’.
Yet, he argued, the importance of ocean health transcends sectors and borders. With oceans covering 70% of the Earth’s surface, producing half the planet’s oxygen and feeding over 3 billion people, marine protection is ‘not a niche issue – it’s a global imperative’.
As the world passes the midpoint of what scientists call the ‘decisive decade’ for climate and nature, William urged global leaders to act boldly: ‘The Earthshot Prize is here to demonstrate that humanity does have the tools needed. But the brilliant minds behind these inspiring solutions cannot do it alone. They need scaling, support and investment to reach their potential. And they need to be backed by ambitious action on a global, national and local level’.
‘Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions. Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance. For the future of our planet. For the future generations’.
Concluding his speech, William echoed the words of Sir David Attenborough, by issuing a rallying call noting ‘We must listen to the words of Sir David Attenborough: ‘If we save the sea, we save our world”.
After his speech, The Prince met a number of several past finalists joined him in Monaco to share their progress with him.
The Prince of Wales will take his Earthshot Prize to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil later this year for its fifth prize awards ceremony. He noted that ‘as we bring The Earthshot Prize to Brazil, a nation rich in biodiversity and environmental innovation, we are seeing fresh momentum for new ideas to create healthier and safer ways to live our lives. It is an honour to profile the people making our world a better place for us and for our children.’
