National German Ocean Conference 2025

On May 6 and 7, the first National Ocean Conference of Germany took place in Berlin under the theme “Living Oceans.” The conference had been planned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment under the previous government. Several hundred representatives from politics, science, marine conservation, and the “blue economy” gathered to discuss current issues and developments.
M.E.E.R. was among the NGOs accredited for the conference. We were able to contribute two key impulses on the topic of shifting awareness in marine conservation: one in the form of a poster in the conference exhibition area, and the other as a presentation during the conference program. In both, we connected to our recently published vision (LINK) and emphasized the urgent need for new and holistic approaches to marine protection. These include, for example, rights for nature, recognition of the intrinsic value of nature, and the importance of no-use zones. The core message of our contribution:
“The protection of the oceans lies in our hands—but it must also lie in our hearts.”

A special moment occurred on the first day of the conference, when outgoing Environment Minister Steffi Lemke gave the final speech of her term, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. On the following day, the newly appointed Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider attended and gave the first speech of his term. Both emphasized the oceans’ vital role in the planet’s health, and the new minister affirmed that marine protection will be one of his priorities.

The conference was a great opportunity to learn about the latest research, Germany’s role in marine policy, and to network. We are pleased to have contributed with impulses grounded in a holistic understanding of marine conservation.