News 
In line with its commitment to the exploration and preservation of the oceans, Blancpain has supported the World Ocean Summit since its first edition in 2012.
The 5th Summit took place in March at Riviera Maya, in Mexico, and marked the beginning of a new phase in the cooperation between the watch Manufacture and The Economist. This international conference took indeed on a new dimension this year with the launch of the World Ocean Initiative. As the founding partner, Blancpain is proud to broaden its contribution to this project which reflects its core values: long-term vision, optimism and innovation.
Organised by The Economist, the World Ocean Summit has established itself over the past six years as the most influential multilateral forum for global governance of the oceans. It brings together more than 360 leaders from governments, companies, international organisations, NGOs and universities with the aim of discussing and suggesting solutions for a future in which sustainable development and blue economy are balanced. In 2018, the Summit is expanding into a wider and more ambitious World Ocean Initiative with an agenda focused on accelerated measures and tangible results on behalf of viable stewardship of the oceans.
It is within the framework of this new initiative that Blancpain and The Economist have set up The Protectors program. This is designed to support six individual projects which contribute in an innovative and significant manner to the objective of having 30% of the planet’s oceans classified into marine protected areas by 2030. Over a 24-month period, the public will have an opportunity to discover the work and achievements accomplished by six key figures through a series of short movies, discussion panels and an interactive digital campaign. This new program was presented at the opening of the World Ocean Summit with the screening of the documentary Ocean (Season 2), produced by The Economist Films with the exclusive support of Blancpain.
Given its involvement in protecting the oceans, Blancpain is particularly delighted with the choice of Mexico as the host country for the Summit. In fact, an expedition supported by the brand encouraged the recent decision made by the Mexican government to create the largest marine protected area in North America, in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Extending over some 148,000 km2, this new reserve will contribute to the protection of the hundreds of species that inhabit or pass through this archipelago, which consists of four volcanic islands.
On December 12th 2017, Blancpain and its President & CEO Marc A. Hayek hosted 230 guests at the Natural History Museum in London for an evening dedicated to the links between the Manufacture and the world of the sea. The event began with the announcement of a first year of support for the Museum in its role as a center for scientific research, as well as its ability to raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable management of the oceans and marine species. The second key intervention during this evening was led by Laurent Ballesta – underwater biologist and photographer –, who revealed the initial images and results of his fourth Gombessa expedition, a scientific, technical and artistic project that has been actively supported by Blancpain since 2012. Finally, to conclude the ceremony, Paul Rossi, President of The Economist Group Media Businesses, gave a preview of the enhancement of the partnership with Blancpain through the implementation in 2018 of the new World Ocean Initiative.
April 12, 2018