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94 | OCEAN GOVERNANCE

THE OCEAN RACE

What if the ocean

had rights?

On the qui-vive, The Ocean Race brought together experts,

seamen and decision makers to explore a new approach to ocean status:

to consider it as an international legal entity.

Inspired by the contemporary philosophical move- Michelle Bender of the Earth Law Centre and Mumta
ment granting rights to nature, the workshop orga- Ito, Founder of Nature’s Rights, provided their expert
nised by The Ocean Race on Thursday 25 March, insight on the issue, underlining the importance of a
in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, legal framework based on responsibility and interde-
examined the possibility of granting rights and a voice pendence.
to the ocean. Could ocean rights help to alter the per-
ception of this unique ecosystem? Could a universal Just after the Seychelles, the Monaco event is part of
declaration on ocean rights ensure it is adequately the series of summits organised by The Ocean Race.
protected? These key questions formed the basis of At the finish line of this diplomatic race, a single awar-
the debate. The renowned American oceanographer dee: the ocean. A trophy? Rights that could be the
Sylvia Earle, an advocate for ocean health, took the key to its future. The Ocean Race will therefore strive
opportunity to launch a solemn and urgent appeal to to obtain the support of the main decision-makers
world leaders: “Protect the ocean as if our lives de- and advocates for the ocean. The Sovereign Prince
pended on it, because that is the case”. “Long consi- testified his steadfast support for this initiative.
dered a resource to be used and exploited, it is time
to consider the ocean as a vital and complex system
which feeds all life on Earth”, said Richard Brisius,
Chairman of The Ocean Race.