Prince William urges urgent action to save oceans in landmark Monaco speech

Prince William urges urgent action to save oceans in landmark Monaco speech - Prince William delivered a powerful call for global action to protect the world’s oceans during a keynote speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco on Sunday, 8th June. Speaking to an audience of 1,800, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Prince of Wales warned that time is running out: “If we save the sea, we save the world.” Addressing the forum in both English and French, William highlighted the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth—from producing half of the planet’s oxygen to feeding billions. He warned that rising sea temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are pushing marine ecosystems to the brink, adding: “What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes.”

The Prince used the platform to stress the urgency of meeting global biodiversity targets, including the 30x30 goal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. Prince William, who launched The Earthshot Prize in 2020 to drive environmental innovation, appeared committed to shifting royal duties toward meaningful global impact. His appearance follows continued collaboration with Prince Albert and world leaders in ocean preservation efforts. The forum, hosted by Monaco and supported by France and Costa Rica, comes just ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Prince William will also mark World Oceans Day with an interview alongside Sir David Attenborough to promote the naturalist’s upcoming documentary Ocean with David Attenborough.

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