The Economist's World Ocean Summit 2014, in association with National Geographic, to chart course for conservation and economic growth

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The aim of the second World Ocean Summit is to find solutions that reconcile the need for economic growth with the increasing challenges of global ocean conservation. Chaired by John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief, The Economist, the summit will bring together more than 200 global leaders from government, business, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and academia at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California from February 24th to 26th, 2014.

"The oceans are a natural subject for a global publication that seeks to apply the tools of economics to policy problems," says John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist. "Ocean issues affect billions of people, in ways that bring together business, politics, academia and science."

Two things are central to the World Ocean Summit 2014: governance and sustainability. To safeguard the oceans, increased governance will in many cases be desirable if not inevitable. But good governance is difficult to maintain—not least in the high seas, where there is little formal jurisdiction. Better governance is intimately linked to the sustainable use of our seas. The challenge now is to design a regime that successfully balances economic development with sustainability. World Ocean Summit 2014 will offer delegates an opportunity to better understand the risks brought about by degradation of the ocean and help shape debate about its governance.

Featured speakers will include Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment

Programme and Under-Secretary-General, United Nations; HSH Prince Albert II, Principality of Monaco; Frits van Paasschen, Chief Executive Officer, Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission; Masamichi Morooka, Chairman, International Chamber of Shipping; Jose María Figueres, former President, Republic of Costa Rica and Co-chair, Global Ocean Commission and Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency responsible for the National Planning Commission, Republic of South Africa, and Co-chair, Global Ocean Commission.

Day one of the summit will start with The Economist, leaders from government and the private sector setting the scene for the coming two days of discussions. Panel discussions and case studies will explore macro-level issues relating to sustainability and governance. In the evening, National Geographic is to host a gala dinner where photographer Paul Nicklen will share his amazing experiences as a specialised polar-region photographer. On day two, participants will split into five industry/sector working groups, each tasked with devising solutions to specific challenges.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.economistconferences.asia/event/world-ocean-summit-2014.

Join the conversation on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WorldOceansSummit@Economist_WOS) and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/groups/World-Ocean-Summit-4094797).

Blancpain and Maersk Line are lead sponsors for the World Ocean Summit 2014. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is a supporting sponsor.

About The Economist Events
The Economist Events is one of the world's leading executive event providers. Its events are for  intellectually curious individuals who enjoy new ideas and are passionate about the issues that define our world. Whether it's a summit, industry forum or gala dinner, these high-level gatherings bring The Economist to life and provide the ideal setting for interactive, open and informed debate with a uniquely

global perspective. Senior executives value these events as important forums in which to exchange views and network with their peers.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. It is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.

Lead sponsors

Blancpain
Blancpain's connection to the ocean dates back to 1953, when the manufacturer developed the first modern diving watch: the Fifty Fathoms. The Swiss watchmaking brand supports major scientific expeditions including National Geographic's Pristine Seas Expeditions with Blancpain, and was lead sponsor of the inaugural World Ocean Summit organised by The Economist in 2012.

Maersk Line
Maersk Line is the container shipping business of the A.P. Møller – Maersk Group. It provides opportunities in global commerce to help thousands of businesses reach their potential, which comes with great responsibility. The rise in containerisation has been instrumental in driving economic development, but the environmental impacts of the shipping industry are significant and should be reduced. The Maersk Line has taken its responsibility seriously, reducing CO₂ emissions by 25% in 2012 (from 2007 levels) and launching Triple-E vessels that reduce CO₂ by 50%.

Supporting sponsor

Wallenuis Wilhelmsen Logistics

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics deliver innovative and sustainable global shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialized cargo.

Ours is a truly global business and we have a global perspective for all our environmental activities, striving to be an environmental frontrunner. We believe in setting goals, tracking performance and delivering results. Our ambition is to always be that vital step ahead of any requirements by implementing environmental procedures and technology that will lead the way in our industry. We also believe in accountability. We use state of the art systems to measure the performance of our fleet, and publicly report the externally verified results.

SOURCE The Economist