PANEL DISCUSSIONS

PANEL #1 - OCEAN FRONTIERS: DEMYSTIFYING BLUE CARBON AND THE BLUE ECONOMY
Moderator
Ted Janulis, Investable Oceans

Panelists
Maria Brown, GFNMS/CBNMS
Doug Heske, Newday Impact Investing
Jayda Guy, Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power

We increasingly hear of the deep linkages between oceans and climate, and that oceans can be a key part of the solution to many of our environmental challenges. But, what does that mean in practice? What is a sustainable blue economy, and how do we get there? What are the roles of blue carbon and other Nature-based Solutions (NbS)? And, how do we accelerate investing in and development of these solutions in real-time? Join this multidisciplinary group of ocean stewards as they dive deep into the world of blue carbon and the blue economy.

PANEL #2 - SHARKS & US: CAN KNOWLEDGE LEAD TO COEXISTENCE?
Moderator
Mary Jane Schramm, International Ocean Film Festival

Panelists
Scot Anderson, CWSP
Paul Kanive, Ph.D, CWSP
Ron Elliott, Captain, CWSP Supporter
Nick Budabin, Director, Great White Summer

Join scientists from the California White Shark Project who study the Farallon Islands sharks, and a diver/videographer who worked unscathed among these awesome predators for decades, until a fateful encounter broke that trust. Together with the director of Great White Summer, which documents the unpeaceful coexistence between humans and these formidable fish along the Atlantic Seaboard, they'll share experiences and insights which may lead to better practices in the waters they both occupy.

PANEL #3 - DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE OF 30X30
Moderator
Sarah Hameed, Marine Conservation Institute

Panelists
Clément Pourtal, Director, The Blue Quest - Palawan
Javier Sancho Velazquez, European Union External Action
Michael Esgro, Ocean Protection Council

Understanding the global initiative of 30X30, this panel will focus on the international commitment to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 – enough to safeguard life in the sea for us and for future generations. This conversation will highlight the significance of prioritizing the quality of marine protected areas (MPAs) as we push to implement more of them. We will discuss the challenge of achieving 30x30, the Blue Parks initiative lead by MCI that is featured in The Blue Quest: Palawan (IOFF World Premiere), efforts in California and the European Union to achieve 30x30, and how we can all engage in this crucial global commitment to revitalize our ocean.

PANEL #4 - FILMING FOR IMPACT
Moderator
Rick Rosenthal, Director, Alien Contact

Panelists
Owen Bissell, Wildlife Cinematographer
Katya Shirokow, Wild Logic
Lisa Landers, Filmmaker, Giants Rising
Ana Blanco, IOFF, Filmmaker, Sequoias of the Sea

How film and linked media campaigns can rally support to protect threatened and fragile ecosystems and wildlife in a changing climate. Panelists will discuss impact campaigns related to their films and the most effective ways to produce films for real change. We will discuss how to identify target audiences, the platforms on which to reach them and the films’ call to action.