The Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) 2024 has ended at Sheraton Towers Singapore with a call for action to form partnerships and innovate solutions to save oceans for securing the planet's future.

Ocean and sea-related economic activities were among the topics discussed with much importance at the event held on October 17-18.

Professor Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore Business School, highlighted the relative neglect of the blue economy-encompassing ocean and sea-related economic activities-in comparison to the green economy.

While megatrends such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics, biodiversity and natural capital are bandied about, at the local level, "we are more realistic... nobody is concerned about the blue (economy)."

This is despite the blue economy supporting about three billion people - more than a third of the world population, he added.

Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information, delivered the opening address as the chief guest.

Organised by The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers) and The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre, the annual two-day summit brought together conservationists, business leaders, and policymakers to advance the shared objective of protecting the world's oceans.

Tan said, "I am heartened to know that the SeaKeepers have been supporting our local marine conservation efforts, such as reef cleanups, providing research grants for local students, as well as awards for local marine champions."

"We will continue to work with the local scientific and nature community here in Singapore, as well as learn from international leaders at platforms like today's summit, to protect and conserve our marine biodiversity and ecosystems."

Fabien Cousteau, famed aquanaut, oceanographic explorer, and environmental advocate, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the intersections between science, technology, and marine conservation.

He said, "At the core of marine conservation, it's not just about saving the oceans-it's about safeguarding our own future. As intelligent beings, we have the knowledge and the tools to envision a sustainable world where business, science, and technology work hand-in-hand to protect our oceans. But the real question is: do we have the wisdom to make those necessary choices?"

The session titled 'Ocean Innovators Challenge' featured three young entrepreneurs presenting their conservation-focused business ideas to a panel of judges.

Nuryanee Anisah, who is the co-founder and CEO of Commenhers - an impact-driven enterprise that provides environmental solutions by upcycling textile waste into high-quality products - won the favour of both the attendees and the judges to win the Ocean Innovators Challenge with her informative and lively presentation.

Hani Nusantari, Founder and Educational and Outreach Officer of JARI Foundation, shared how her foundation blends sustainable tourism practices with community engagement to create a balanced and respectful interaction between tourism, culture and the natural environment.

Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of the century-old business TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), also discussed balancing economic growth with environmental protection in maritime trade.

Professor Lawerence Loh conducted a quick sustainable business boot camp on how to drive sustainable change within organisations. In short, sustainable practices enhance brand reputation, attract eco-conscious consumers, and ensure long-term viability.

Innovation at the forefront of marine conservation Technology provides tools and solutions necessary to mitigate and even reverse environmental degradation.

During the Innovative Solutions Showcase, Dan Lundqvist, Director of Overseas Business at M-TechX Asia, showcased how nanofibers can be used to clean up oil spills as well as solve water pollution issues by filtration.

Dr Jerome Lombardi, Senior Research Fellow and Urbax Venture Lead at NUS Centre for Advanced 2D materials, shared how his research has managed to create "green cement" that drastically reduces the carbon footprint compared to traditional cement.

Jay Wade, President of SeaKeepers International, and Julian Chang, president of SeaKeepers Asia, also spoke at the event.

To cap off the summit, the participants engaged in a collaborative action planning session, designed to empower the community to formulate actionable plans to drive meaningful marine conservation efforts within their organisations.

The Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) is a knowledge-sharing conference that serves as a platform for public institutions, private organisations, and non-government agencies to discuss critical marine conservation issues.

TOCS aims to bring a focus on the ocean and its intricate connections to life and all the inhabitants of our planet, Earth. Through its annual conference, TOCS gathered thought leaders in the marine conservation space to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action to work collectively towards a more sustainable future.