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About the symposium 2016

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Photo: KLD (Klima- og Miljødepartementet)



THE HOST 2016

The host of The Ny-Ålesund Symposium 2016 is  Mr. Per Sandberg, Minister of Fisheries.
International high-level participants will address the Symposium, including politicians, renowned scientists, business executives and representatives of NGOs. Participation is limited to 45, by personal invitation only.

THE THEME
Planet Ocean (Unlocking the potential of ocean-based industries)

September 19 - 21, 2016

 

This year's theme aims to highlight the ocean as an important source of food, fossil and renewable energy and a rich source of genetic resources, provided a sustainable approach to the oceans.

The ocean-based industries are important for the economies of many countries and may play an even more important role in the future. Growing markets for new ocean-based industries such as aquaculture, offshore renewable energy and new marine resources could represent new possibilities. The symposium in Ny-Ålesund will focus on unlocking the potential of ocean-based industries and technologies in a sustainable manner with the following topics:

  • Introduction - Unlocking the potential of ocean-based industries
  • Policies for Blue Growth
  • New Technologies for a sustainable ocean
Enhancing our capacity and manage a wider range of ocean resources is critical for meeting global challenges relating to food security. In a warmer world, northern seas are projected to become even more important in this respect.

The commitments made in Paris, and a new course towards a low-carbon economy could also drive development of technologies and consumption patterns in ways that will change markets for ocean-based industries in the Arctic and worldwide.

New technologies, methods and knowledge about the ecosystem in the oceans provide us with new tools. This makes the harvesting of ocean resources more efficient and at the same time reduces the environment impact and the carbon footprint of harvesting. Seafood expansion of the aquaculture industry is important. Prospects for offshore aquaculture operations are promising and particularly relevant.

Marine life also provide materials for industries such as pharmaceuticals, nutrition, cosmetics and chemicals.

The most important challenges to the management of living marine resources are the eradication of illegal fishing, reduction of discards and post-harvest losses, and good management of fish stocks. Eliminating these malpractices represents a potential for increasing the global marine food production. New technology, including satellite monitoring and better ways to use data material, provides new tools that can have useful applications in many areas, including management of ocean resources.

The Arctic faces multiple environmental challenges resulting from increased economic activity and global warming. Protecting the vulnerable environment is a key challenge in this region. Developing new technology can minimize negative environmental benefits in the Arctic.

Energy efficient vessels and technology for preventing, reducing and collecting pollution and waste in the marine environment are examples of technologies that may be useful tools for addressing important environmental challenges.



Last updated: Sep 12, 2016