8th Global Ocean Forum to Take Place in Bizerte, Tunisia
On September 12 and 13, Bizerte will host the 8th edition of the Global Ocean Forum, themed "From Nice to Bizerte: What State for the Mediterranean Sea?"
International Commitments and Ocean Protection
This event will focus on international commitments to protect marine ecosystems, particularly those defined during the Nice conference on ocean preservation, as well as upcoming negotiations in August in Geneva on the global treaty on plastic pollution.
Key Topics and Participants
The forum will address crucial topics such as:
- Ocean governance
- Sustainable financing
- Scientific cooperation
- Combating illegal fishing
- The joint impacts of climate change and plastic pollution
Rim Ben Zina, President of the "La Saison Bleue" association, explained that this edition will bring together a diverse panel of actors, including:
- Researchers
- Professionals
- Civil society representatives
- Delegates from UN member states
- International organizations
- Local authorities
This diversity of participants will facilitate the identification of priorities, the development of concrete action strategies, and the valorization of the Mediterranean marine environment.
Regional and International Support
The Governor of Bizerte, Salem Ben Yacoub, reaffirmed the region's and state institutions' commitment to fully support this event, which promotes social and environmental development. He emphasized the need to mobilize all necessary means to ensure its success at the local, national, and international levels, highlighting the importance of a participatory approach involving all regional official structures.
Organizers and Objectives
The forum is jointly organized by the "La Saison Bleue" association and the European initiative "Blue Mission Med", as part of the European Union's mission "Regenerating our ocean and waters". The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation between marine basins and rivers, and is part of the preparatory dynamic for the 3rd United Nations Conference on Oceans, to be held in Nice in June 2025.
