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"Seals, Shores, and Sustainability: Protecting Monk Seals in a Changing World – In Protected Areas and Beyond"
Co-organized by the Greek Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency and the Monk Seal Alliance Side Event in the framework of UNOC3
Date: 11 June 2025
Time: 11:00–12:30
Venue: Mama Shelter, 21 Bd de Riquier, 06300 Nice
Format: Panel discussion
Event Partners: NECCA, Fondation Thalassa, Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, Fondation Segré, Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco (Monk Seal Alliance)
As coastal development and climate pressures escalate, the Mediterranean monk seal—one of the world's most endangered marine mammals—faces critical threats.
In this pivotal side event to the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Greek Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA) and the Monk Seal Alliance (MSA) are bringing together leaders in conservation, policy, and research to tackle these urgent challenges.
“Seals, Shores, and Sustainability: Protecting Monk Seals in a Changing World” will explore effective strategies for monk seal protection not only in designated marine protected areas but across wider, human-influenced seascapes.
Through two engaging panel sessions, the event will focus on forging sustainable coexistence between human activity and marine life—anchored in science, policy innovation, and community action.
Key Themes: The importance of integrated, cross-sectoral collaboration, Climate and biodiversity synergies (SDG 14), Effective policy and funding frameworks for long-term impact
Event Programme:
11:00–11:10 | Opening Keynote HSH Prince Albert II de Monaco
11:10–11:35 | Panel 1 – Turning the Tide: Strengthening Protection of Marine Ecosystems and Species in a Changing Mediterranean
Moderator: Rachel Clausing, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Speakers: Guillaume Sainteny, President, Plan Bleu; Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General, EC DG for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries; Maria Papadopoulou, President of the Board, NECCA; Vera Alexandropoulou, Vice-President, Thalassa Foundation / MSA
11:35–11:45 | Q&A 11:45–12:05
Panel 2 – Seal Greece: A Bold Alliance for Habitat Protection and Coexistence
Moderator: Rachel Clausing, PAIIF
Speakers: Auriane Pertuisot, MSA Coordinator, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; Laurent Sourbès, Head of Management Unit, NECCA; Panos Dendrinos, President, MOm; Madeleine Theochari, Founder, EPOPS
12:05–12:20 | Q&A and Conclusion
12:20–12:30 | Memorandum of Understanding Signing MSA