An intense and rewarding week for the Blue Season, characterized by discussions of critical importance on oceanic issues. Following the effervecence of the Ocean Retreat on the Greek island of Hydra from April 13 to 14, the international « Our Ocean » conference took center stage from April 15 to 17 in Athens, bringing together key figures in the sector.

The participation of over sixty international high-profile personalities during the Ocean Retreat, orchestrated by Peter Thomson, the Special Envoy for the Ocean of the United Nations Secretary-General, led to fundamental recommendations. Patricia Ricard, President of the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute, notably advocated for an environmental workshop on Gabès to be included on the United Nations’ agenda, demonstrating a strong commitment to immediate action in the face of local environmental challenges.

The exchanges with Richard Brisius, the Chief Strategist of the Ocean Race, proved fruitful. In light of the World Maritime Forum in Bizerte (September 12-13, 2024) or the Blue Africa Summit (October 10-12, 2024), a stopover of their legendary boat might be considered.

In parallel, the Our Ocean conference witnessed stimulating exchanges with eminent personalities such as John Kerry, former US Special Envoy for Climate, Peter Thomson, Special Envoy for the United Nations’ Secretary-General, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Leila Chikhaoui Mahdaoui, Tunisian Minister of Environment, Pascal Lamy, Chair of the Ocean & Waters Mission Council, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the Oceans, and many others. A meeting with John Kerry notably focused on enhancing Africa’s maritime capabilities to boost its blue economy.

A strategic meeting with Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UN Environment Programme/ Mediterranean Action Plan-Barcelona Convention Secretariat, and Almotaz Abadi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UpM), set the stage for what could be a maritime odyssey from Athens to Nice, where the United Nations Ocean Conference will be held in June 2025. parallely, on April 16, 2024, in the presence of John Bell, Deputy Head of Mission and Director Healthy Planet, DG RTD, and Charlina Vetcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, a side event conducted by the EU Mission « Restoring our Ocean and Waters » presented concrete solutions to address the major environmental challenge. It was also an opportunity for Pascal Lamy and Geneviève Pons, Director-General of Europe Jacques Delors, to present the Manifesto for a European Pact for the Oceans, an initiative excellently led by the Oceano Azul Foundation and Europe Jacques Delors, aiming to garner crucial support from policymakers and stakeholders to secure a brilliant future for our oceans and planet.

The pinnacle of the event, the award ceremony for the « Blue Ports and Destinations », developed by BlueMissionMed with the support of MedCruise and in partnership with the European Commission, celebrated the commitment to the preservation of oceans and maritime destinations.

At the heart of these fruitful exchanges lies the unwavering commitment of the Blue Season to advance maritime and environmental issues through strategic alliances and vibrant dialogue, aiming to build a sustainable future for our oceans and their incredible ecosystems.

Rym Benzina

President of La Saison Bleue