World Ocean Council Advances Ocean Industry Input to UN Sustainability Conference

News Release RIO +20: ENSURING A VOICE FOR THE RESPONSIBLE OCEAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY 18 June 2012 – At “Rio+20” – the decadal UN Conference on Sustainable Development being held in Rio de Janeiro from 15-22 June – the WOC is working to provide the eyes, ears and voice for the responsible ocean business community. As many as 20,000 people are expected to participate in both official and informal events during Rio+20, including over 100 heads of state and many other government representatives, as well as inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations - and business leaders. The oceans are a major focus of the summit and governments are negotiating commitments that include proposals to amend the Law of the Sea to address marine biodiversity in the high seas, develop marine protected areas, reduce marine pollution/debris, achieve sustainable fisheries, and undertake regular assessments of ocean health. The private sector‘s role in sustainable development is also a significant theme of Rio+20. Some of the key messages WOC is delivering at Rio+20 include: Many ocean companies are working to improve their sustainability and reduce marine environmental impacts. Ocean ecosystems are interconnected, and many of the critical issues affecting ocean health are cross-cutting and cumulative. The best efforts by a single company, or an entire industry sector, are not enough to secure the future health and productivity of the ocean. In the run-up to Rio+20, the WOC was invited to participate in the U.N. Secretary General’s five-person ocean expert group, as the only representative of the private sector. To view the "Oceans, Industry and Rio +20 Workshop" report, click here. About the World Ocean Council (WOC) The WOC is the only international, cross-sectoral alliance for private sector leadership and collaboration in “Corporate Ocean Responsibility”. Companies and associations worldwide are distinguishing themselves as leaders in ocean sustainability and stewardship by joining the WOC. Members include nearly 50 leadership organizations from a wide range of ocean industries: shipping, oil and gas, renewable energy, seafood/fisheries, ocean technology, mining, maritime law, marine environmental services and other areas. Contact: Paul Holthus +1 (808) 277-9008 paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org Web: www.oceancouncil.org To subscribe to future WOC News or to update your contact information, click here.

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