A sustainable blue economy in Germany – Future prospects for fisheries at the Zeiss-Planetarium Berlin on 23 September

The ocean is our most important habitat, ecologically indispensable and at the same time rich in potential for a sustainable economy. As part of the European Union, with the world's largest exclusive economic zone, Germany has a special responsibility to develop new, sustainable forms of economic activity in the sea.

Coastal fishing in both the North and Baltic Seas is under particular pressure with climate change and overfishing forcing us to look for new perspectives. A sustainable blue economy opens up opportunities: for the protection of marine habitats, for growth oriented towards the common good, and for a modern professional image for fishers.

We will present the “Niendorf Declaration” as part of this Parliamentary Ocean Evening – a commitment to the further development of fisheries for the common good. Together with representatives from politics, science, business, and civil society, we will discuss opportunities, challenges, and concrete options for action.

6:30 p.m. – Doors open

7 p.m. – Immersive ocean show

Welcome

• Tim Florian Horn, Executive Director, Berlin Planetarium Foundation

• Frank Schweikert, Executive Director, German Ocean Foundation

• Dr. Ekkehard Griep, Chairman, United Nations Association of Germany

Keynote speech

“Examples of successful blue economy transformation in Scandinavia”
Annamari Arrakoski-Engardtille, CEO, John Nurminen Foundation

Impulse

“The Niendorf Declaration – for a sustainable and public welfare-oriented job profile for fishermen”
Frank Schweikert, Executive Director, German Ocean Foundation

Film screening

Award-winning short film “KELP!” – about the fascinating world and surprising economic potential of brown algae

8 p.m. – Panel discussion with

• Erik Leif Bodin (CDU)

• Holger Mann (SPD)

• N.N. Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (BMLEH) (requested)

• Peter Dietze, fisher from Niendorf (requested)

Followed by Q&A & closing remarks

Moderator by Frank Schweikert, Executive Director, German Ocean Foundation

From 9 p.m. – Reception and networking

You can register here.