Prince of Wales: “We must realise the potential of the blue economy”
As he took to the stage on UN World Oceans Day, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales had a message for us all:
"We must realise the potential of the blue economy for our ecosystems, our economies and our communities."
Prince William is known to be a seaweed advocate.
Here at Câr-y-Môr we were delighted to welcome he and his wife, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, back in 2023.
Then in 2024, we were lucky enough to meet the Prince for a second time at an event in Cardiff, showcasing the innovative ways Welsh businesses are using seaweed across a range of industries.
Read more here: The Prince of Wales Celebrates Seaweed Innovation in Wales
As this year’s World Oceans Day preceded the start of the UN Ocean Conference, and with Sir David Attenborough’s landmark film Ocean creating a buzz, there was what the UN called an “unprecedented opportunity to amplify visibility and collaborative efforts for the ocean”.
The Prince of Wales used his own platform to tell the audience of investors, scientists, stakeholders and environmentalists to “think big in your actions”, and “let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance”.
He ended with a note to keep Sir David Attenborough’s words at the forefront of our collective thoughts:
“If we save the sea, we save our world.”
Watch HRH The Prince of Wales in conversation with Sir David Attenborough:
What is the “blue economy”?
When we refer to the blue economy, we mean the economic activity around our seas and oceans. The World Bank terms it as the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems”.
How does Câr-y-Môr contribute to the blue economy?
Câr-y-Môr is Wales’ first community-owned regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm, working to regenerate the Welsh seas and soil, and put local food back on tables, while providing year-round jobs and economic opportunities for coastal and rural communities.
Câr-y-Môr aligns with a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we contribute to the blue economy here in Wales by:
Creating new jobs in our rural, coastal community (22 and counting!).
Enhancing biodiversity in Welsh waters thanks to our regenerative sea farm.
Producing sustainable seafood and seaweed, which can be used to make products including biostimulants.
Provide educational marine workshops in our community.
What is the UN Oceans Conference?
The conference is taking place this week to support the implementation of SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
The overarching theme is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”.
What can you do to help?
Wonder what you can do to support our oceans? Here are a few ways to get behind what we’re doing here at Câr-y-Môr, and in turn do your bit to “save the sea”...
Join us as a member – you can do so for as little as £1!
Buy from our Pembrokeshire Beach Food and gardening ranges.
Make a social investment – head over to our CrowdFunder to find out more.
