Invitation - UNOC 3 - Nice - Taking Action to Stop the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species, Protect Marine Biodiversity and Support Climate Action
Letter | Date: 19/05/2025 | Ministry of Climate and Environment
Monday 09 June at 16.00 – 17.30. Nice Harbour, onboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl vessel.
The protection of marine biodiversity is a global priority — yet invasive aquatic species introduced through ships’ biofouling continue to undermine ocean health and resilience. It is time to take action and minimize the introduction and spread through ship’s biofouling of these unwanted organisms. Furthermore, good biofouling management supports energy efficient shipping.
The Government of Norway, in cooperation with the Government of Fiji and the International Maritime Organization, is pleased to invite you to attend a high-level event to launch global, coordinated action to address the issue.
The side event will examine the scale of the challenge, explore available solutions, and highlight international efforts to address this issue through strengthened cooperation and policy development. Through keynote statements, presentations, and a short film, the program will highlight the perspective of decision makers, and from experts in the field of biodiversity and technology.
Location: The event will take place onboard the legendary Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the harbour of Nice. When: Monday 09 June from 16.00 to 17.30.
We will gather ministers, government and international organization representatives, academia, NGOs and private sector to alert them about this global initiative and invite them to become its partners and supporters.
Join this important discussion on how international cooperation and policy development can support the protection of marine biodiversity and help countries, especially developing countries, meet their obligations under global ocean commitments.
Please register in this form: https://forms.office.com/e/55KyAhH3Fs by 30th of May, as this is by invitation only. Please contact us (anna.aamo@kld.dep.no) if you do not have UNOC Blue Zone Accreditation.
On behalf of the event organizers, Yours sincerely
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen
P R O G R A M
Welcome, Opening address and Keynote Speech
Ms Chanel Mafi Mavoa / Legal Officer / Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Mr Andreas Bjelland Eriksen / Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment
Mr Arsenio Dominguez / Secretary-General, IMO
Film screening: “Silent Invaders”
The impact of invasions and how targeted technical cooperation can support developing countries
Ms Gyorgyi Gurban /Head - Projects Implementation - IMO
Leveraging technolgies to tackle biofouling threats
The threat posed by invasive aquatic species and how technology can help address the issue
Prof. Ms Vigdis Vanvik / Member of IPBES Ms
Bente Pretlove / Programme Director DNV
Implementation challenges and solutions for developing countries
Ms Chanel Mafi Mavoa / Legal Officer / Maritime Safety A[uthority of Fiji
Mr Sveinung Oftedal / Norway’s Chief Negotiator – Green Shipping
Be a part of the Initiative
Mr Sturla Henriksen / Special Advisor UN Global Compact
Drinks and refreshments