Over 3 billion people depend directly on our seas for their livelihoods. But in reality, all of us depend on the ocean: for our water, our food, our climate and our air.

Seas and oceans enrich our identity, ensure our wellbeing and sustain a large part of the economy.

Human action has left our ocean heavily affected by pollution, overexploitation, coastal degradation and global warming. This has severe consequences for all.

A new vision is needed, along with strong and action-oriented commitments.

Since 2014, Our Ocean conferences, have invited world leaders to look forward and respond, delivering high-level commitments and transforming the challenges ahead into an opportunity for cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship.

As in previous years, the 2017 edition “An Ocean for Life”, will be upon invitation only. It will be hosted by the European Union in Malta, at the heart of the Mediterranean.