Prince William will travel to the South of France this weekend to advocate for enhanced global ocean protection efforts.
His team describes his Sunday address in Monaco—coinciding with World Oceans Day—as a “landmark speech,” targeting environmentalists and investors to foster collaborative ocean conservation.
As founder of the Earthshot Prize, which addresses global climate challenges, Prince William will participate in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, preceding the UN Oceans Conference in Nice.
The forum serves as a prelude to the UN Oceans Conference in Nice the following week.
“The Prince of Wales is deeply committed to urgent action for ocean protection and restoration,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the BBC. “He will call for swift, immediate global action; the time is now.”
Rising temperatures, pollution, and overfishing severely damage the world’s oceans and dependent communities.
This weekend’s events will explore the oceans’ roles in global trade, food security, and sustainable energy.
The Grimaldi Forum, a striking steel and glass venue named after Monaco’s royal family, will host the meeting.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, a prominent supporter of ocean projects, is a key participant in the forum.
“This event transcends a mere forum; it uniquely unites decision-makers, finance professionals, philanthropists, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to translate ambition into action,” he states.
Last month saw the cinematic release of Sir David Attenborough’s new film, Oceans.
It presented his lifelong perspective on the oceans’ value.
“After nearly a century on this planet,” he observes, “I recognize the earth’s most vital area is the sea, and we’re in ocean discovery’s greatest era.”
The film depicts the oceans at a critical juncture, requiring intensified efforts to maintain their role as the “planet’s support system.”
Prince William shares this perspective.
He has openly expressed his admiration for Sir David, a key inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize.
Sir David’s environmental storytelling powerfully engages the public—a factor the prince recognizes.
The French visit reveals Prince William’s environmental vision and his evolving role as a global statesman.
Also attending the Monaco forum will be French President Emmanuel Macron and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
Why Monaco?
Because this affluent tax haven, amidst superyachts and wealthy vacationers, concentrates significant financial resources and investors willing to invest in marine life and ocean protection.
The prince’s Sunday speech and meetings will largely be public.
However, he will also conduct a private session with experts and investors.
This pragmatic approach leverages his royal influence to engage individuals with the resources to drive change.
Throughout his life, the King has championed environmental discourse. His son now builds upon this legacy, demonstrating the investment value of environmental solutions.
However, securing investment for ocean conservation can be challenging.
The immense scale of the required work can deter investors.
“My job shouldn’t exist,” often begins Sam Teicher, co-founder and chief reef officer of CoralVita.
His company won the £1 million Earthshot Prize in 2021 for ocean restoration solutions.
CoralVita cultivates corals to restore damaged reefs.
Only 9% of this year’s Earthshot nominations fell under the “Revive Our Oceans” category.
“As land-dwellers, oceans are often ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” notes Sam Teicher.
Attending this weekend’s Monaco event, he describes his fundraising strategy as “harnessing capitalism for good,” emphasizing authenticity and integrity to avoid “bluewashing” or “greenwashing.”
This strategy is proving effective.
The BBC learned that CoralVita recently secured approximately £6 million ($8.1 million) in funding from investors led by Builders Vision—a philanthropic organization founded by Lukas Walton, grandson of Walmart founders.
This substantial funding for ocean conservation will enable CoralVita to expand its restoration projects, safeguarding biodiversity.
Builders Vision’s investment will also support the Earthshot Prize through a new partnership, further highlighting Prince William’s impact in connecting environmental solutions with investors.
Prince William’s involvement has significantly benefited CoralVita’s expansion.
“He facilitates access to individuals who wouldn’t typically consider this investible or important,” says Mr. Teicher.
“We need to engage bankers, government leaders, and tech specialists. He expands our network.”
Ultimately, financial resources are crucial to this event’s success.
Mr. Teicher prioritizes the right investor type.
“We don’t seek traditional five-to-seven-year returns,” he explains. “This is a long-term challenge requiring long-term commitment.”