OilOnline Manager posted on 12/1/2009
International associations representing a broad range of ocean industries will meet in the inaugural "Roundtable of Ocean Industry Association Leaders," to be held as the opening plenary of the Sustainable Ocean Summit (Belfast, 15-17 June 2010). The Roundtable is designed as a forum for the diverse international ocean business community to identify the needs and opportunities for industry leadership and collaboration on cross-cutting ocean stewardship issues.
The Roundtable is part of the Sustainable Ocean Summit - the first global cross-sectoral ocean sustainability conference bringing together a wide variety of marine industries, including shipping, oil and gas, aquaculture, tourism, fisheries, ports, dredging, mining, tankers, maritime finance and insurance, offshore renewable energy, and other ocean-related industries.
The Sustainable Ocean Summit is organized by the World Ocean Council, with the theme of "Reducing Risk, Increasing Sustainability: Solutions through Collaboration." "This event is an unparalleled gathering of leading ocean companies and industry associations committed to sustainable development, responsible business practices and addressing marine environmental challenges," said Paul Holthus, Executive Director of the World Ocean Council.
Confirmed Roundtable participants include directors and senior managers of the following international industry bodies: Oil and Gas Producers Association (OGP), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), International Association of Dredging Contractors (IADC), International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), International Energy Agency: Ocean Energy Systems (IEA:OES), International Desalination Association (IDA), Nautical Institute, International Ship Managers Association (InterManager), International Union of Maritime Insurers (IUMI), International Salvage Association (ISA). Additional association participants are anticipated. Ocean industry associations not yet confirmed for the Roundtable are encouraged to contact the World Ocean Council as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Sustainable Ocean Summit sessions will focus on priority cross-sectoral ocean industry issues, including the Arctic Ocean; climate change and ocean science; biosecurity and invasive species; fisheries and aquaculture interaction with other industries; the role of the finance, insurance and legal sectors in sustainability; offshore renewable energy interaction with other industries; sustainable ports; sound and ship strike impacts on marine mammals; marine debris; decommissioning ships and structures; carbon capture and storage; sustainable marine tourism; environmental education for mariners; and the ocean economy.
A unique plenary session on "Ocean Industry Image" will tackle the need to increase media understanding of ocean industries and better communicate industry efforts in addressing environmental issues. A special seminar on "Marine Spatial Planning - What Ocean Industries Need to Know" will focus on this rapidly emerging approach to marine governance and the role of industry.
The World Ocean Council is the international, cross-sectoral industry alliance for private sector leadership and collaboration in ocean stewardship. Companies and associations worldwide are distinguishing themselves as sustainability leaders by joining the WOC as Founding Members in 2009/2010
For Sustainable Ocean Summit information and registration, visit www.oceancouncil.org. Contact: Paul Holthus +1 (808) 277-9008 paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org