Whether you’re an ocean researcher, marine biologist or sustainable entrepreneur, these ocean-related events are worth adding to your diary
All signs point to 2022 being a great year for ocean conservation. Things kicked off with the One Ocean Summit, but there are plenty more events in the pipeline that will bring together leaders from different sectors to try to break down silos and create tangible commitments around ocean protection. If, like us, you are in the business of making the oceans healthier, here is a list of the must-attend events taking place in 2022. Share with your colleagues and see you there!
1) Ocean Sciences Meeting
24 February - 4 March – Online
With over 5,300 ocean specialists from 75 countries expected to attend this year’s virtual conference, OSM22 is a must-attend event for the ocean sciences community. Under the theme of “Come Together and Connect”, the programme focuses on creating balance, forming relationships and building inclusive communities to create a more sustainable future.
2) BlueMed Workshop
1-2 March – Hybrid: Barcelona, Spain and Online
This two-day workshop, hosted online and in the Union for the Mediterranean offices in Barcelona, will see participants address initiatives aimed at creating a healthy, plastic-free Mediterranean Sea, as well diving deeper into the opportunities presented by the European Commission, “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”.
3) World Ocean Summit Virtual Week
1-4 March – Online
Over 100 speakers representing six key industries – including aquaculture, tourism and plastics – will offer insight into how their 2030 targets are progressing. The global event, which will be hosted virtually, represents a broad cross-section of the marine community, with topics like new technologies, successful initiatives and ocean finance on the agenda.
4) Oceanology International 2022
15-17 March – London, UK / 22-23 March, Online
If you’re part of the global ocean technology community, then mark your diary for Oceanology International. Over 500 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees are expected to take part, connecting experts in business, academics and government through on-water demonstrations and interactive seminars.
5) Aquafuture Spain - International Show of the Aquaculture Industry
23-25 March – Santiago de Compostela, Spain
As one of Europe’s leading aquaculture producers, Spain is an apt location for this upcoming show, which will act as an international meeting space for the industry. Professionals in the aquaculture sector can discover the latest technological innovations and market strategies with a focus on sustainability.
6) BlueInvest Day 2022
28 March – Hybrid: Brussels, Belgium and Online
Investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, corporates and enablers in the Blue Economy are invited to this year’s BlueInvest Day, hosted online and at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. The platform aims to support innovation and investment in early-stage businesses, SMEs and scale-ups to better connect those in the Blue Economy ecosystem.
7) Nor-Shipping 2022
4-7 April – Oslo, Norway
The global shipping industry will descend on Oslo this April to learn more about sustainable marine solutions and meet the companies taking positive action. The programme features a trade exhibition as well as various conferences and seminars, including Blue Talks 2022 and the Ocean Leadership Conference.
8) Our Ocean Palau
13-14 April – Palau
Presenting a platform for governments, society and industry to commit to ocean-climate action, this year’s Our Ocean conference will focus on six key areas, including sustainable blue economies, marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries.
9) International Conference on Marine Spatial Planning and Management
25-26 April – Hybrid: Jerusalem, Israel and Online
If you’re a marine researcher, scientist or educator, this conference poses an opportunity to share and discuss innovations, trends, challenges and solutions in the fields of marine planning and management. Prospective authors are also invited to submit research materials to present during the conference.
10) Climate Action 2022
28-29 April – Sevilla, Spain
Be part of the first Climate Action Sevilla Summit, billed as a meeting destination for those in the blue and green economic sectors who are involved in climate restoration. Sustainable economic development and job growth will be top of the agenda at the global debate, which encourages public-private cooperation.
11) European Maritime Day
19-20 May – Hybrid: Ravenna, Italy and Online
Ocean leaders from across Europe are invited to attend this annual event for a chance to network and address shared actions on the maritime environment and blue economy. Aimed at industry professionals from governments, public institutions, NGOs, academia and businesses, the two-day event will include thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops and project pitch sessions.
12) World Economic Forum - Davos
22-26 May – Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
With an aim of building a more sustainable and inclusive global society, the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting returns this May, after being postponed from January. Spurred on by the COVID pandemic, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most vital meetings to date, with a focus on rebuilding communities together through a shared sense of responsibility and cooperation.
13) International Conference on Ocean Plastic Pollution Studies
23-24 May – Berlin, Germany
Hosted as part of the International Research Conference, this interdisciplinary platform invites academics and research scholars to exchange ideas and experiences around the challenges and solutions on the subject of ocean plastic pollution. The conference invites participants to submit research materials featuring unpublished results to be presented at the conference.
14) UN Ocean Conference 2022
27 June-1 July – Lisbon, Portugal
Following several postponements, the second UN Ocean Conference is set to take place this summer, co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal. World leaders and industry stakeholders will convene to drive sustainable change by way of innovative solutions to address shared threats to the health, ecology, economy and governance of the ocean.
15) Seagriculture: 11th International Seaweed Conference EU
29-30 June – Bremerhaven, Germany
Exploring the different applications of seaweed from food, cosmetics and packaging to bioremediation and biofuel, this annual conference sees leading experts share their knowledge through presentations, trade shows and debates.
16) BlueInvest Africa
7-8 September – Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles
This two-day workshop is set to showcase the socio-economic opportunities presented by the blue economy in line with the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The event is the result of a partnership between the European Union and the Seychelles, and seeks to address the African population’s need for sustainable development and economic growth.
17) COP27
7-18 November – Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt
This year, the UN’s Climate Change Conference is set to take place in Egypt. While details of the session’s agenda are yet to be announced, the UN’s Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa has already called for more solid commitments in the areas of mitigation, adaptation and finance.
18) Marine Science Conferences 2022
Various dates and locations
Looking for a more niche event that caters to your industry and speciality? Ocean scientists looking to connect with the wider community, explore trends and share knowledge with others can benefit from plenty of marine science conferences taking place this year, from the Shark Biology, Biodiversity, Management and Conservation Conference (16-17 August, Istanbul) to the Polar Marine Science and Engineering Conference (3-4 November, Cape Town). Visit waset.org to see the full list of conferences.
