COP28: the ocean, our ally in the fight against global warming

More than 70,000 people from all over the world were accredited, which is a record for this annual session of climate negotiations, but according to the provisional list from the UNFCCC (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), around 30,000 participants from 197 countries plus the European Union took part, along with 160 heads of state.  

A space dedicated to promoting the essential role of the ocean in the fight against climate change, the Ocean Pavilion brought together, for the second year running, experts, decision-makers and civil society players to discuss the challenges and solutions linked to the ocean and the climate. No fewer than 70 events were organised around 10 themes, including pollution, the decarbonisation of maritime transport, ocean resources, the blue economy, the links between the ocean, carbon and climate, and climate justice. 

Now an observer member of the UNFCCC, The SeaCleaners also contributed to the debates at a number of events: on the French Pavilion, at the session entitled “Fighting plastic waste in the marine environment: towards zero waste. Acting from global to local”, coordinated by Joelle Colosio, Deputy Executive Director for Territories at ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency). The event was opened by Her Highness Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and concluded by the Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, Christophe Béchu. 

Organised by the CCI France UAE, The SeaCleaners also made the voice of the ocean heard at the Alliance Française of Dubaï during the round table entitled “Land & Sea: Saving our Planet”, in the company of local players in coral preservation and waste management. Finally, to mark the launch of its Desalination Centre of Excellence, Engie and the CCI France UAE asked The SeaCleaners to moderate a panel discussion with three internationally renowned experts on the subject. 

Every year, ocean protection associations mobilise at the COP to raise awareness among decision-makers of the importance of protecting this vital ecosystem. Once again, this year, The SeaCleaners was there, taking part in this vital battle for our common future.