OurOcean Conference 2024: A Commitment to an Inclusive Aquaculture

The 2024 Our Ocean Conference took place in Athens, Greece, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center on April 16th and 17th. This significant global event brought together leaders, experts, and advocates to address pressing issues facing our oceans, with a focus on sustainable tourism in coastal areas and islands, reduction of marine plastic and microplastic pollution, green shipping, and the green transition in the Mediterranean. These themes acted as key focal points interwoven throughout the six areas of action of the Conference, guiding discussions and commitments towards creating a healthier and more sustainable ocean environment.

Youth Leadership Summit

Running parallel to the main conference, the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit began a day earlier, on April 15th, bringing together 100 young leaders, including our co-founder Christina Zantioti, who was honoured as one of the hundred distinguished Our Ocean Youth Leaders. This recognition highlighted the commitment of the younger generation to actively participate in shaping the future of our oceans.

NOWA Commitment to Equality and Inclusivity

During the conference, we proudly published the NOWA commitment, dedicating ourselves to fostering an inclusive and equal aquaculture sector. This commitment underscored our pledge to promote diversity and equity in the marine industry, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.

Additionally, we had the privilege of connecting with other female empowerment groups dedicated to marine sciences like “Mujeres Niñas Y Biodiversidad” an NGO based in Mexico and the “Tagpi Tagpi”  a  Filipino circular economy initiative that aims to economically empower marginalized women living in coastal areas. These inspiring encounters reinforced the importance of supporting women in the field, amplifying their voices and contributions towards ocean conservation.

The 2024 Our Ocean Conference was a pivotal event, setting the stage for impactful actions and collaborations to protect and sustain our oceans for generations to come.