The King attends premiere of 'Ocean with David Attenborough'
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The King has attended the premiere of ‘Ocean with David Attenborough’ highlighting the importance of the ocean and keeping it healthy.
Held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, The King attended the premiere of the latest David Attenborough film which explores why ocean recovery is vital for stabilising the climate, securing a healthier future for the population, and how marine protection – if immediately implemented – can help to the turn the tide of the damage.
His Majesty was introduced to Kristin Rechberger, Founder and CEO of Dynamic Planet (who has co-produced the film) as well as guests, including Sir David Attenborough, attending the premiere before watching the film.
Sir David’s work for the natural world overlaps with His Majesty’s own work to promote sustainability, protect nature and the oceans.
The King has been speaking about the ocean and the importance of keeping it clean for more than fifty years. His Majesty first marked the issue of oil and plastic pollution in the sea in 1970 when he was 21 years old, at the 'Countryside In 1970' Conference.
For instance, we are faced at this moment with the horrifying effects of pollution in all its cancerous forms. There is the growing menace of oil pollution at sea, which almost destroys beaches and certainly destroys tens of thousands of seabirds.
Read the speech in full here.
Since 1970, His Majesty has used his unique position to champion the importance of the ocean and action for a sustainable future.
In October 2017, The King, as Prince of Wales addressed the Our Ocean Conference:
Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.
Read the speech in full here.
As Prince of Wales, His Majesty established the International Sustainability Unit to address key environmental challenges, including those related to marine ecosystems. The ISU has worked to facilitate collaborations and develop strategies for sustainable development that benefit the ocean.
In 2020, as Prince of Wales, His Majesty launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), in response to the increasing threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
Following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in Samoa, the SMI launched several environmental initiatives, including the Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in Samoa – which will restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem, mitigating sea level rise and preserving cultural heritage.
Earlier last year, His Majesty was announced as the fifth Royal Patron of the Marine Biological Association, which is focused on researching marine biology and the consequences environmental change in the ocean.
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