WEDNESDAY 7TH JUNE
Winds of change: a nature positive energy transition at sea
7JUNE - 4PM, BRUSSELS (BELGIUM), European Parliament, Room SPAAK 7C50
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, we must take swift action to reduce global emissions and decarbonize human activities, including energy production. The need for energy independence in the EU further emphasizes the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Offshore wind, a low-cost and proven technology, is a key component of this transition.
However, we must not tackle the climate crisis at the expense of nature's ability to regulate greenhouse gases. The climate and nature crises are interconnected and must be addressed together. Healthy seas are crucial in the fight against climate change, as they can capture and store carbon. Unfortunately, our ocean has suffered from decades of exploitation and development and given the limited space in these busy waters, we must find ways to rapidly and extensively deploy offshore wind and connect electricity grids, while minimizing harm to nature at sea.
It is essential that we prioritize nature protection and restoration alongside offshore wind and grid infrastructure development. Governments, industries, NGOs and stakeholders must work together to identify solutions that reduce and remove pressures on nature while boosting the restoration and resilience of our seas. The upcoming Nature Restoration Law, currently being debated in the European Parliament, presents an opportunity to promote a positive change towards a Nature Positive Energy Transition.
Join the discussion to learn how to address the nature and climate crises simultaneously. We will explore how the Nature Restoration Law offers a unique opportunity for this and how the offshore renewable energy industry can contribute to practical solutions for restoring nature while transitioning to cleaner energy. The event will be followed by a networking cocktail.
Organised by BirdLife Europe & Central Asia and WWF EPO
Credit for the photo: Hervé Roques/LPO 17
The secret life of the seagulls of the island of Ré
7JUNE - 10 AM to 12 AM, Along the cycling path between Saint Clément and Les Portes (at the "Grand Vasais" of Saint Clément), Island of Ré, France
For OceanWeek, LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) will set up a gull observation stand in the field on the island of Ré (France), on Wednesday, June 7, along the bicycle path between Saint-Clément and Les Portes, at the level of the "Grand Vasais" of Saint-Clément.
This gull observation point on the island of Ré, which is home to the main colonies of Charente-Maritime, will be an opportunity for everyone to dive into the heart of the intimacy of gulls and learn more about these marine birds with a reputation that is sometimes inglorious. However, on closer inspection, their singularity is obvious and will undoubtedly arouse, if not wonder, at least curiosity.
Organised by LPO, BirdLife Partner in France
Protecting our seas – can we save the Mediterranean?
Wednesday, June 7th 2023 - 6:00 PM (CEST), online event
The Mediterranean Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot which nurtures millions of people across several continents. Yet it faces growing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, destructive fishing, and pollution.
How can we save the Med from these escalating crises? Can marine protected areas and marine reserves help?
Can the Med be a model for marine conservation and protection?
Join us for this panel discussion chaired by Soledad Gallego, Head of Spain at ClientEarth.
Speakers :
Pablo Rodríguez Ros; Lead Project Coordinator @ Marilles Foundation
Zafer Kızılkaya; Founder and Chairperson of the Board @ Mediterranean Conservation Society
'THE INVISIBLE BECOMES VISIBLE' - ART EXHIBITION ON MICROPLASTICS
JUNE 5 TO JUNE 9, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 3RD FLOOR
The exhibition "The invisible becomes visible" is the result of the encounter between Dr Kirby and a group of photographers and researchers, including Jean Noviel, Thomais Vlachogianni and the LEESU laboratory. It enlarges the microscopic world and make you immersed in the infinitely small and infinitely rich marine universe. The exhibition provides you with the opportunity to visualise the important role plankton plays in the way life functions under water, but also to witness the impacts of microplastic pollution. With this exhibition, Surfrider Europe uses art and education to connect marine life to our daily life. It shows the impacts human activity and plastics have on our environment right down to the smallest living organisms. The exhibition was conceived by Surfrider Foundation Europe's Art Campus, a project aimed at putting art at the heart of the link between the environment and human beings. The exhibition is supported by the Life programme of the European Commission.
Organised by Surfrider Europe
ENDING EU OVERFISHING - THE DECADE PAST AND THE DECADE TO COME
JUNE 5 TO JUNE 9, L'ESPLANADE SOLIDARNOSC 1980'
For over a decade, the Fishlove campaign has raised awareness and advocated for ocean protection, resulting in significant progress in restoring EU fish populations and combatting overfishing. The exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate these achievements and view stunning portraits of major celebrities.
Organised by Our Fish