The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Presents a 3-day Virtual Symposium
November 23-25, 2021
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has begun, and with it there is a global opportunity to come together to create new ideas, solutions, applications and partnerships to connect ocean science with the needs of society. This initiative will provide the stimulus for strengthening the connections needed to develop innovative approaches to address the current challenges facing our global oceans and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“The Decade will provide a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to create a new foundation, across the science-policy interface, to strengthen the management of our oceans and coasts for the benefit of humanity.” –UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
The Government of Canada has launched its Blue Economy Strategy that will focus on building a sustainable blue economy for Canada through a comprehensive approach and steadfast commitments to ocean protection as well as production and prosperity. Informed by The Ocean Decade, this strategy will support ocean innovation and position Canada to be at the forefront of the development of new and groundbreaking technologies to achieve greater resilience and innovation that will drive both ocean health and economic prosperity. Through our shared knowledge of the oceans, Canada will build a sustainable blue economy that can provide economic opportunities, empower coastal communities, transport our people and goods, as well as provide innovative solutions to global challenges.
“Together, we are able to harness scientific research and innovative technology to protect the health of our ocean and create better, more sustainable ways of working on the water.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
As one of the most comprehensive institutions of its kind in North America the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland’s unique academic, training and research programs have established strong connections with key marine sectors that are integral to the successful development and implementation of Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy. With its vision for the future to guide the Newfoundland and Labrador to the world through global leadership in applied oceans education and research, the Marine Institute recognizes the significance of the opportunity The Ocean Decade presents and is positioned to play a leading role in connecting global leaders across ocean sectors to explore partnerships and new business models that support both ocean heath and economic prosperity, ultimately positioning Canada as a leader in the global blue economy.
To facilitate these connections and discussions, MI is hosting Propelling the Blue Economy: Connecting Our Oceans, Our People, Our Future, a three-day virtual symposium being held November 23-25, 2021, that will bring together leading scientists, researchers, government representatives, industry stakeholders, NGOs and Indigenous and coastal communities to exchange and share their experiences and ideas on all aspects of The Ocean Decade. This event will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and solutions to assist in the development of a common framework going forward that will contribute to the development a sustainable blue economy for Canada.
MORE INFO: connect@mi.mun.ca