Philippe Archambault, Chair of the 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity 2018 in Montreal (Canada) about the goals of the conference and its benefits for Montreal as destination:

On 13 May 2018, you are going to kick off the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity 2018 in Montréal. What are the main goals and outcomes you hope to achieve with the conference?

One of the main goals is to improve communication between marine scientists and policymakers. This conference is an opportunity to develop thematic sessions and workshops that connect marine scientists with policy-advisors. The desired outcome is for leaders in science and policy to work together in new and innovative ways for the benefit of marine biodiversity and all segments of society that are connected with the ocean.

What does the conference theme, “Connecting with the living ocean”, mean to you?

Urgent need to replace our current exploitative relationship with the ocean’s living resources with a sustainable connection. This connection should be based heavily on scientific knowledge. Since the ocean has global importance and is an integral part of the support system that sustains our planet, I strongly encourage interdisciplinary and intersectorial discussion and use novel technologies and social media to involve researchers, policymakers, NGOs, industry, the general public and students at the 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity. Half of the oxygen we are breathing, the fish and seafood we are eating are just a few services that the ocean is providing. We need to remember that we are all connected with the ocean and it represents 71% of the surface of our blue planet.

What does Montréal offer as a destination for your event?

The Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) secretariat is based in Montreal, which uniquely positions the event in proximity to the policy sector. Also, the Future Earth Secretariat is currently based in five cities and Montreal is one of them. Furthermore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a strong partner in the event and their central office is located in Ottawa which is not that far. In particular, these connections ensure strong interdisciplinary focus and permit conference participants to be in direct contact with marine policy and vice versa. Finally, Montreal has 5 Universities, one of the Future Earth and is not far from Université Laval located at Quebec City.

How do Montréal and its community benefit from the conference?

First, we want to attract attention of the media, on the conference and Montreal at the same time, to show the challenges that the ocean and more specifically the marine biodiversity are facing presently.  Second, we have a partnership with ‘Maison du développement durable’ and the David Suzuki Foundation who are organizing parallel public events to WCMB 2018. There is a happening Saturday, May 12 called Soirée St. Lawrence where the public will be able to meet scientists, aquatic and ocean lovers, and distinguished guests. The primary goal of this happening is to develop or revisit our sense of belonging and love for the St. Lawrence and oceans that border Canada. This event will include a photo exhibit, video projections, story telling and musical performances, all inspired by the oceans. There is also an immersive event on Place des Festivals on evenings from May 10 to 15th where video projections, sound ambiance, lighting and decors will introduce visitors to the threats on ocean conservation and possible solutions to each, including a network of marine protected areas.

Do you offer virtual attendance to those who cannot come?

Unfortunately, this was very difficult to implement a virtual attendance in 6 to 8 conference rooms at the same time.

What are currently the main challenges for the conference?

The main challenge these days are to reach as much people as possible and offer a very interactive conference among the scientists and policy makers in ways that we will have some tangible outcomes. As any organization like this, it is a challenge to keep the registration cost as low as possible and offer the maximum of services at the conference.