Global Industry Event to Foster Business Engagement in Ocean Governance and Marine Planning

WOC Business Forum on Ocean Policy and Planning: Registration Open and Sponsorships Available

The World Ocean Council (WOC) is pleased to announce that registration is open for the Business Forum on Ocean Policy and Planning (29-30 September 2014, New York City, USA).

Ocean governance, policy and planning developments are occurring at an increasing pace at national, regional and international levels - with significant implications for the private sector. The WOC is working to catalyze coordinated, proactive industry involvement in policy and planning developments affecting the future of responsible ocean economic activity.

The forum goal is to ensure that ocean industries are well informed of the ocean policy and planning processes affecting their future operations and well equipped to make decisions on whether and how to most effectively engage in these developments.

Ocean policy and planning arenas important to ocean business include the development of marine spatial planning in the US, Europe and many other areas. International developments include UN negotiations on an "Implementing Agreement" for the Law of the Sea, UN discussions on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, the creation of a UN Sustainable Development Goal on the ocean, and the ongoing work of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The event will also include an optional pre-conference field trip on 28 September to learn about coastal business response and recovery following Hurricane Sandy and how this is affecting policy and planning.

The WOC Business Forum is designed by and for the international Ocean Business Community, and these participants are given priority. A limited number of spaces are available for representatives from non-Ocean Business Community organizations working with the private sector towards ocean policy and planning in support of responsible ocean economic activity.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for leadership companies and organizations to demonstrate their support for this unique Business Forum.

To secure your place* and take advantage of early registration rates available only until 1 August 2014, visit the event page on WOC's website to register and view sponsor opportunities.

*Interested participants not from the Ocean Business Community may provisionally register.

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, stewardship and science by joining the WOC. Members to date include over 70 leadership organizations from a wide range of ocean industries: oil and gas, shipping, seafood, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, renewable energy, ocean technology, maritime law, marine environmental services and other areas. For the current list of WOC Members, click here. The WOC News Release is received by over 34,000 ocean industry stakeholders around the world.