German, French embassies hold panel on protection of marine ecosystems in Egypt - Society
The Embassies of Germany and France in Egypt hosted a panel discussion at the Institut Français d'Egypte titled 'Elevating Ocean Solutions for Climate Action: Bridging Science, Policy, and Implementation'.
The event was held on Tuesday in preparation for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France. It brought together key stakeholders to address pressing marine and climate challenges.
Approximately 150 attendees from Egypt, France, and Germany, including policymakers, scientists, and civil society representatives, addressed the global significance of oceans in climate change and focused on Egypt's role in marine protection.
In addition, the participants in the event emphasized the need for more substantial commitments under the Paris Agreement. They highlighted the ongoing ratification of the United Nations BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), a landmark international treaty to bolster multilateral marine protection.
Furthermore, the event constituted part of the Cairo Climate Talks, an initiative by the German Embassy fostering dialogue between Egypt and Germany on environmental and energy-related issues. The event is also a part of Blue Talks, a global program spearheaded by France in the lead-up to UNOC 3.
Éric Chevallier, Ambassador of France to Egypt, and Jürgen Schulz, Ambassador of Germany to Egypt, inaugurated the session.
'The protection of the oceans and marine ecosystems is a priority for us,' stated Ambassador Chevallier. 'As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement of 2015, France is preparing to host the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference. Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility, and Egypt, like France and Germany, plays a crucial role in marine protection,' he added.
On the other hand, Ambassador Schulz underscored the necessity of cooperation to combat climate change effects and achieve marine protection. 'Sustainable solutions to safeguard our oceans and climate can only be developed through strong synergies between science, policy, and practice. Collaboration is key to driving real change,' he emphasized.
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