The 7th edition of the Forum Mondial de la Mer Bizerte concluded on September 15, 2024. Over seventy experts from across the Mediterranean, along with representatives from the European Commission, convened to develop pragmatic and urgent solutions to the escalating environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean, particularly in light of the unprecedented heatwave experienced this summer.
The Forum marked a crucial step in preparing the Bizerte Appeal to the United Nations Secretary-General, an ambitious manifesto ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France. This appeal, driven by voices from the Southern Mediterranean, calls for concerted and decisive action to safeguard this strategic yet fragile maritime space.
Bizerte 2024: Strong Commitments for the Mediterranean
The Bizerte Appeal to the UN Secretary-General, adopted by the participants, underscored the need to move beyond the current fragmentation of ocean governance and strengthen cooperation between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean. The focus was on concrete solutions to restore marine ecosystems, mobilize local authorities and the private sector, and better integrate science and data into decision-making, aiming for sustainable development in the region.
Setting Sail for Nice 2025: An Ocean Agenda and a Call for Collective Responsibility
Pascal Lamy and Rym Benzina, co-founders of the World Ocean Forum, stated: “Over seven editions, Bizerte has provided a unique and assertive platform for the voices of Southern Mediterranean states and coastal regions to be heard. The strong participation of civil society, startups, and NGOs in this latest edition highlighted the importance of local initiatives and technological innovations in responding to the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing the region. Finally, we thank the organizers of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference for closely involving us in organizing the Mediterranean Day to be held on June 10, 2025, in Nice, where the voices of the Southern Mediterranean countries will be heard. This embodies the very essence of the Bizerte Appeal to the UN Secretary-General that we have launched.”
Next Steps
Building on the momentum of the Forum Mondial de la Mer Bizerte, the second edition of the Blue Africa Summit, scheduled for October 10, 2024, in Tangier, Morocco, will further this progress by proposing a specific agenda for the African continent. Together, these key 2024 events will pave the way toward Nice 2025, where the future of the Mediterranean and the ocean will be at stake.
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