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Catch up on all the action from a busy Blue Belt symposium 2024: Celebrating the past, charting the future below. From the launch of a new citizen science platform, to a message from His Majesty King Charles III.
Over three days UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) representatives gathered in London with UK Government ministers, non-governmental organisations, academics, and other partners to reflect on the Blue Belt Programme’s successes, and its aims and ambitions for the future.
The landmark event was opened with a personal written message from His Majesty King Charles III, who praised the UKOTs and Blue Belt Programme:
“In helping to protect several million square kilometres of ocean, the Blue Belt represents a vital contribution not only to the fight against climate change... but also to the urgent need to protect and enhance marine ecosystems as part of the commitment to protect 30% of the global ocean, by 2030”
Hearing from the Blue Belt Territories
Throughout the day, we heard from representatives from each Blue Belt UKOT.
From the tiny community of the Pitcairn Islands, home to one of the largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the world, to the new Blue Belt territories of Anguilla, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Each UKOT shared their own unique experiences, achievements, and challenges surrounding the protection of their ocean environments.
These presentations included the announcement from the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands of further protective measures for their vast MPA.
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Learning lessons for the future
On day two, the symposium focused on shared reflections and lessons learnt in marine protection and sustainable management. Presentations and discussions included ones on innovative techniques for marine monitoring, exploring sustainable financing solutions and different approaches to engaging local island communities.
On the final day, the focus moved to exploring future priorities for the Blue Belt. Sessions were chaired by UKOT representatives on the importance of global marine protected networks; the need for sustainable island economies and the role of innovative technologies to improve marine protection.
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Between sessions, delegates were able to find out more via exhibition stands. These included displays featuring the incredible biological specimens uncovered during Blue Belt Discovery expeditions, as well as artwork from the Ascension Island youth MPA committee (pictured), highlighting work done locally to increase ocean literacy.
Following a successful three days, Blue Belt delivery partners will now work with the UKOTs to reflect on the insights gathered and identify future priorities for the Programme.
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Launch of Instant Wild Platform
The symposium also saw the announcement of the new Blue Belt collaboration with Zoological Society of London's Instant Wild platform, which aims to pull back the blue curtain across the biodiverse waters of the UKOTs.
This interactive platform enables users from all over the world to view and identify marine species recorded by the Blue Belt’s Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network. The platform will provide vital data to help the UKOTs better understand their marine ecosystems.
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We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all attendees who came to the symposium and made it a success, particularly speakers, exhibitors and UK Overseas Territory representatives.
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