GLOBE Series, The Delphi Group and the Government of Canada co-convened the G7 Oceans Partnership Summit (OPS) and Oceans Inspiration Expo on September 19 and 20 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These were held as part of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Working Together on Climate Change, Oceans and Clean Energy.
The Oceans Partnership Summit
The Oceans Partnership Summit (OPS) brought together more than 200 participants representing industry, civil society, and the research sector to discuss themes raised in the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. These themes were Ocean Plastics and Marine Litter, Resilient Coasts and Coastal Communities, and Sustainable Oceans and Fisheries.
The OPS provided a venue for partners to highlight action they are taking and served to identify key issues of focus within these themes for consideration by Ministers during the Joint Ministerial Session on September 20.
The Oceans Inspiration Expo
The G7 Oceans Inspiration Expo was held to bring ocean issues into the public sphere and drive public engagement. The expo was a public trade show featuring more than 40 exhibitors showcasing technology and initiatives that are helping to improve the health of our oceans. The expo included a variety of engagement zones, as well as youth programming.
The Oceans Inspiration Expo stage hosted a dynamic line-up of inspirational speakers and panel discussions on topics such as oceans protection, oceans science, indigenous leadership, and industry and youth action on oceans. Key speakers included Alexandra Cousteau, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Filmmaker and globally recognized advocate on water issues; and Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer who has led more than 50 expeditions worldwide, was Time Magazine’s first Hero for the Planet, and served as chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
