Since 2010, ocean industry leaders have come together to network and discuss the future of our oceans at the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS). The SOS 2017 provides a unique global platform for these leaders and organisations to address ocean sustainability challenges.
This year, Halifax, Canada hosts private sector, government and academia professionals in recognition of the contribution of the ocean to our global economy.
More than 300 participants are expected at this annual three-day conference, which is organised by the World Ocean Council. These ocean stakeholders include shipping, oil and gas, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and financial and insurance communities.
Programme topics
Speakers and talks will cover such categories as marine pollution; conservation and ecosystem-based management; climate change and ocean acidification; sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices; economic benefits to small island developing states; ocean research and technology; and ocean governance.
Halifax is closer to Dublin, Ireland than it is to Vancouver Island, British Columbia in Western Canada (Credit/Scott Munn)
Nova Scotia a strong maritime province
Of the 10 provinces in Canada, Nova Scotia is the second smallest. However, one-third of R&D in the region focuses on ocean technologies, and the province has the highest concentration of oceans-related disciplines in the world.
Capital city Halifax is home to many world-renowned ocean-related research institutions: Bedford Institute of Oceanography (the largest center for Oceans research in Canada), the Institute for Ocean Research Enterprise (IORE), Dalhousie University (with more than 100 researchers) and the NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences have all made a name for themselves.
With Canada celebrating its 150th year of confederation and 2017 being the United Nations designated Year of the Ocean, what better way for the world to come together than to say Happy Birthday to Canada, and to work towards the health of our oceans.
Conference details
When: November 29–December 1
Where: Halifax Marriott Hotel, Nova Scotia, Canada
The full programme of speakers can be seen here. Refined Travellers and Ecozine readers can get a discount by applying the code “ecozine2017” when registering for SOS 2017.
Written By: Adriane Rysz