The Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) 2024 recently held its annual summit.
Organised by The International SeaKeepers Society and The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre, this summit is a gathering of passionate conservationists, savvy business leaders, and forward-thinking policymakers, all united by one goal: protecting our oceans.
Opening the event was Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development.
Mr Tan expressed his optimism about the local efforts in marine conservation, highlighting initiatives like reef cleanups and research grants for aspiring marine champions. “I’m heartened to know that the SeaKeepers have been supporting our local marine conservation efforts.”
This year’s theme, “Uniting Businesses in Ocean Conservation,” sets the stage for dialogue about the emerging challenges and opportunities within the blue economy. Mr Fabien Cousteau addressed, “At the core of marine conservation, it’s not just about saving the oceans—it’s about safeguarding our own future.”
Later in the afternoon, the Ocean Innovators Challenge showcased three bright young entrepreneurs, each armed with innovative ideas aimed at conservation. Ms Nuryanee Anisah, co-founder of Commenhers, took home the top prize with her engaging pitch about upcycling textile waste.
“It feels surreal to have won both the audience award and the overall prize,” she shared. Her project illustrates how textiles, often seen as unrelated to ocean health, contribute to microplastic pollution, emphasizing our interconnectedness.
Ms. Hani Nusantari from JARI Foundation captivated the audience with her vision of sustainable tourism that respects both culture and nature. “Instead of just watching the sunset, we want tourists to engage with the local community.”
Mr Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), also took to the stage, discussing the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection in maritime trade. Professor Lawerence Loh from NUS Business School provided a crash course on driving sustainable change within organisations.
Innovation was front and centre, showcasing how technology can play a pivotal role in marine conservation. Mr Dan Lundqvist from M-TEchX Asia demonstrated how nanofibers can clean up oil spills, while Dr Jerome Lombardi revealed his creation of “green cement,” significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to its traditional counterpart.
To wrap up, collaborative action planning sessions will empower attendees to craft real, impactful strategies for marine conservation within their organisations.
Curious about the ongoing discussions? For more details on TOCS 2024, check out their website.
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