INDEMER celebrates its 40th anniversary

L’INDEMER fête ses 40 ans © Manuel Vitali - Direction de la Communication

To mark its 40th anniversary, the Institute of Economic Law of the Sea (INDEMER) has organised an international symposium on 'the current challenges surrounding ocean use' on 8 and 9 May at the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel in Monaco.

Placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, this event gathered high-level experts to discuss major issues relating to law, economics and scientific knowledge of maritime areas.

Ms Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, currently acting as Minister of State, delivered a welcome speech in which she emphasised that "this symposium honours the Prince Rainier III's commitment and determination, which led to the establishment of INDEMER forty years ago to help spread legal, economic and scientific knowledge related to the sea."

H.S.H. Prince Albert II opened the proceedings by pointing out that "INDEMER was founded in 1985 by my father, Prince Rainier III, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 [...]. Today's celebration is not just a fortunate coincidence: we come together to acknowledge the achievements made by all those who led, supported or have been part of INDEMER over the past four decades."

Over the past forty years, ocean use has become much more diverse. While shipping and fishing remain pillars of the maritime economy, scientific and technological advances have led to the emergence of new activities, such as deep-sea mining and the development of marine renewable energy. In this context, the law of the sea must evolve to meet current challenges, governance, sustainability, and preserving ecosystems.

This symposium highlighted the growing connections between law, science, and economics in managing maritime areas. It also provided a forum for reflection on adapting the international legal framework to cover the increasing uses and new stakeholders.