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LOOKING FORWARD TO
THE FUTURE OF THE OCEAN

The ocean must be more accessible, more unders-
tandable, including in its development, the experts
noted. Increasingly developed modelling should help
present scenarios - including positive scenarios - to
look forward to the future. Science should help iden-
tify development paths to address global challenges,
both social and environmental. “Although it is more important than ever for our era to rely
Science fiction techniques can be used to include nu- on science, science itself is often in danger.
merous aspects (economic, political, social, etc.) as
well as breakthroughs. Simulation tools, including an Superstitions, ignorance and fake news are alive and
ocean digital twin, offer the option of testing impacts well. They flourish on social media, of course, but also in
and actions by including local and global scales. comments made by certain senior officials - and sometimes
even scientists.

ALIGNING TWO VISIONS That is why we need you. And that is why we must work
with you to develop a clear scientific strategy, particularly
It is not impossible to use and protect the ocean at for matters relating to the ocean, its future and a better
the same time, but a new mindset is needed to align understanding of ocean issues.
the two, from resource mining to ecosystem mana-
gement. This change in perspective requires us to We must tailor our strategy in terms of narrative. As there
review indicators and the way we assess activities, is no point shining light on the truth if, at the same time, its
beyond short-term economic performance. enemies are using tools to spread information, and if we are
The European Commission ordered different studies not able to convince our contemporaries. ”
on the relationship between citizens and the ocean,
identifying a global disconnect. Social sciences, be-
havioural psychology and the arts could be used to Opening speech by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
bridge this emotional gap, like the Mission Starfish
2030 by the European Commission.
To make the ocean more visible and more attrac-
tive, major challenges must be addressed, which
could underpin the United Nations Decade of Ocean
Science for Sustainable Development. To mark this
change in approach, meeting participants conside-
red publishing an article with a positive vision of the
ocean.