The 16th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative (MBI) took place on March 24th at the Oceanographic Museum, bringing together international experts, policymakers, business leaders and scientists under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II…
This year’s edition holds particular significance, as it serves as a precursor to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice and the upcoming Blue Economy and Finance Forum, which Monaco will host on June 7–8 at the Grimaldi Forum.
Jointly organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the MBI focused on the urgent need to mobilize finance and drive innovation for ocean conservation. As highlighted throughout the discussions, while international agreements such as the BBNJ Treaty on marine protected areas have laid a solid framework, they require meaningful implementation—and that means securing funding and private sector involvement.
The forum addressed several core themes, including the transition to a sustainable maritime economy, the strengthening of dialogue between science and policy, and the scaling of replicable solutions through investment. Speakers emphasized the triple crisis facing our oceans—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—stressing that philanthropy alone cannot shoulder the burden. Greater engagement from businesses and financial institutions is essential to make a lasting impact.
This edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative also served as a strategic workshop to shape the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, which aims to foster concrete commitments and highlight innovative projects ready for scaling.
By building bridges between science, policy, and industry, the MBI continues to play a pivotal role in catalysing global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and drive sustainable blue growth.
