Symposium on Human Health and the Ocean

^{With H.S.H. Prince Albert II, from left to right:  Mr. Olivier Wenden, Mr. Laurent Anselmi, Prof. Patrick Rampal and H.E. Mr. Bernard Fautrier. ©Michael Alesi– Direction de la Communication}

"Pollution of the oceans is widespread, is becoming worse and, in most countries, is poorly controlled." 

The first symposium on "Human Health and the Ocean in a Changing World," organised jointly by Boston College, Monaco Scientific Centre and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has just ended after two days of work (2 and 3 December 2020). 

Scientists from international research centres all over the world gave an overview of the current situation in 24 presentations on various fields of research, covering both the positive effects of the marine environment on human health (such as the benefits for health and well-being of access to marine and lake areas, and the development of new medicines from the sea,) and the negative effects on health (acidification of the oceans;  the effects of climate change, which encourage the development of pathogens;  the danger to coastal populations from, for example, bad weather, etc.).  Central to these risks is the pollution of the oceans, which is the subject of a dedicated scientific report coordinated by Boston College and Monaco Scientific Centre.  Its conclusion is indisputable:  "Human activities have led to the introduction of a complex mixture of substances into the aquatic environment.  This mixture reaches the oceans via rivers, runoff, atmospheric deposition and direct discharges.  Ocean pollution has many negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, especially for vulnerable populations."

The report published after the symposium, "Human Health and Ocean Pollution," is backed by Monaco's Declaration, which was read at the closing session in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.  In addition to the alarming findings it presents, the Declaration makes recommendations addressed to "the leaders of all countries and citizens of the whole world," with the objective of "Advancing human health and well-being by preventing the pollution of the Oceans."