Human activity has impacted unprecedentedly natural ecosystems. According to the latest UN Report 2020, around 1 million of animal and plant species on the planet are threatened with extinction. The rate of species’ extinction is accelerating, leading to a deterioration of the health of ecosystems. For example, land-based habitats have shrunk by at least 20% since 1900, amphibian by more than 40%, and 33% of reef-forming corals and 33% of marine mammals are threatened, not to forget the 10% of the insects species that are under threat. The increasing loss in biodiversity will have a grave impact on our economies due to the impact on food security, health, and livelihoods.
Oceans and seas are essential for the Biosphere to support life on Earth. All the main cycles are linked to them, but unfortunately, they are severely impacted by human activity. In the Mediterranean, climate change, fishing activity and plastic pollution are some of the main hazards for living beings under the Sea. It is therefore necessary to understand the value of biodiversity and their ecosystem services, their contribution to oxygen production and carbon sequestration.
The second of the EMEA Webinars Fall Cycle on “Biodiversity and Climate Change: Lessons for the Mediterranean Sea” aims to dive into a dialogue between economics and natural ecosystems in order to bring out a new perspective to the so-called “Blue economy”. For that reason, we are honoured to count on the participation of relevant experts linked to the marine biology and economics, to share their visions from a scientific to philanthropic point of view.
The webinar will be moderated by the Founder and President of EMEA, Prof. Rym Ayadi, with the participation of Sylvia Earle, well known Oceanographer who will explain to us her vision as Biologist about the oceans as a “life support system”. Ralph Chami will explain the recent approach to analysing the economic value of whales and marine mammals. Patricia Morales will explain the experience of Foundation Meri with the protection of Whales in Chile’s shore. Yara Saab will provide the legal approach and Alessandra Sensi will talk about the UfM Environment and Blue Economy Agendas.
EMEA launches, with this webinar, a new research initiative related to bio-economics and its integration into Mediterranean Blue Economy policies.
AGENDA
Moderator:
Prof. Rym Ayadi, President, Euro-Mediterranea Economists Association (EMEA)
Speakers:
Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, and explorer known for her research on marine algae and her books and documentaries, USA
Ralph Chami, Assistant Director in the Institute for Capacity Development (ICD), at the International Monetary Fund, Member of the Advisory Board, EMEA
Yara Saab, Coordinator of Operations of SCP/RAC of UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan
Patricia Morales, CEO Foundation Meri, Chile
Discussant:
Alessandra Sensi, Head of Sector Environment and Blue Economy, Water and Environment Division, Union for the Mediterranean
The webinar is organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) and will take place on Thursday September 17 at 15:00 CET on Zoom.
