Special early-bird deadline until August 24
The inaugural of the SeaWilding 2025 Conference will take place from 23 to 25 October in Barcelona at the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona, serving as the main venue. Future Oceans Lab collaborates with a group of important entities such as: BlueWave Alliance, Océana Europe, ClientEarth Spain, Rewilding Spain, CitizenZoo, CMAS, Marine Stewardship Council Spain, BCN Port Innovation. The conference is expected to bring together approximately 300 in-person participants from 7 countries.
Transformative Approach: From Knowledge to Action
The aim of this initiative is to build an international meeting space that bridges humanism, science, conservation, activism, communication, and action-oriented governance. The program encompasses comprehensive assessments of the current state of the oceans and extends to the philosophical and ethical foundations of humanism in human-nature relationships. This includes analysis of the holistic approach of the latest IPBES reports, management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), governance aspects, and revolutionary environmental rights such as the legal personality of ecosystems—exemplified by the Mar Menor case—and the Protection Principle. The program also addresses the significance of the BBNJ Agreement for the high seas and examines the importance of ecological corridors and ecosystem connectivity.
International First Level Scientific Programme
Currently, these are some of the main confirmed speakers:
- Carlos Duarte (KAUST/CORDAP),
- François Sarano (oceanographer),
- Michael Sealey (Oceana Europe),
- Soledad Gallego and Francesco Maletto (ClientEarth Spain),
- Josep L. Pelegrí (ICM-CSIC),
- Jordi Palau (Rewilding Spain),
- John Geurts (CMAS Scientific Committee),
- Eduardo Salazar (University of Murcia),
- John Bohorquez (Stony Brook University/CFA),
- Elena Ojeda (Future Oceans Lab-CIM),
- Isabel Leal (Let's Be Nice to the Ocean/ The Protection Principle),
- Purificatciò Canals (Global Network of MPA Manager Networks),
- Julio Agujetas (Marine Stewardship Council)
The sessions will address topics structured in thematic blocks:
- (I) Humanism and Conservation - Rethinking Our Relationship with the Ocean
- (II) Ocean in Transition
- (III) No-Take Marine Reserves and Regeneration of Ecosystem Services
- (IV) Activism and Communication
- (V) Ecological Corridors
- (VI) Governance and Environmental Rights
- (VII) Ocean Livelihoods
Languages and Accessibility
The Conference will be conducted in English and Spanish as official languages, ensuring inclusive and accessible participation. To facilitate understanding and exchange among international participants, simultaneous translation will be provided, allowing all sessions to be followed in real time in both languages.
Complementary Activities (side-event)
The Conference includes a parallel program at Port Olímpic de Barcelona aimed primarily at the general public, featuring the photographic exhibition "Oceans: Art and Biodiversity" with more than 50 images by underwater photographers, the Ocean Film Festival showcasing documentaries by filmmakers from all five continents, and the Ocean Careers Programme offering professional guidance testimonies for the next generation of ocean experts.
Context of Triple Planetary Emergency
SeaWilding 2025 takes place at a critical juncture for global ocean protection and conservation, when the effects of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss require immediate and coordinated responses. As Dr. Carlos Duarte emphasizes: "We are at a critical crossroads: if we don't change the way we interact with the oceans, we will jeopardize not only their biodiversity, but also our own future on this planet."
Early bird registrations available through August 24 at: www.seawilding2025.org
Note: Special discounts available for students and non-governmental organizations.
