Page 112 - restitution_book_MOW2023_EN

110 | MONACO OCEAN WEEK MAG

THE EYES

OF HUMANITY

And what if we needed them to survive? TAF - The Animal Fund
is organising a conference for the general public to explore the role
of whales in the planet's ecosystem.

local communities around the world, from
dugongs in Australia to seals and whales
in Canada. Daniele de Winter, from TAF
UK, focused on the threats facing large
cetaceans (plastic, chemical and noise
pollution, collisions, global warming, etc.),
suggesting solutions that could reduce
these threats.

As a loyal supporter of Monaco Ocean
Week, The Animal Fund has devised
an event to raise awareness of the fate
of whales, which is proving to be a na-
ture-based global solution to the ecologi-
cal challenges of our time.

Bowhead, blue, right and humpback lance of our ecosystem, whales also have
whales, sperm whales, belugas, narwhals, an impact on the climate! By sinking to the
orcas... "Whales are the heroes of the bottom of the sea at the end of its life, a
ocean" says Berit Legrand, president of whale can store up to 33 tonnes of CO , IN
2
the Monegasque Association in favour of an ecosystem service valued by the World
cetaceans, before explaining the role of Monetary Fund at over 2 million dollars. FIGURES
these large mammals that appeared on
the planet some 50 million years ago. By By plunging deep into the world of whales, ■ 86 species of cetacean,
sailing through the water column and the through stories and images, the confe-
seas, whales fertilise the ocean, bringing rence invites us to become familiar with ■ Whales indirectly provide
more than 50% of the
essential nutrients to phytoplankton, the these giants of the seas and to shift the Earth's oxygen,
planet's main oxygen provider. "If this eco- viewpoint that has for too long focused on
system breaks up, there will be no life left humans. Ambassador Alexandra Zeiner, a ■ 1 whale helps to remove,
on average, as much carbon
on Earth," says Berit Legrand. As well as marine biologist, then highlighted the es- from our atmosphere as
playing a major role in the health and ba- sential cultural value of these animals for 30,000 trees (33 tonnes).