Muriel Lux represented Mercator Ocean International at the conference and highlighted its leadership in Digital Ocean Systems at the Greenpact Conference in Poznań, and presented its transition into a new Intergovernmental Organization. The organisation emphasised the strategic importance of strengthened cooperation with Poland to advance Europe’s digital ocean governance.
A Changing Ocean and Europe’s Digital Response
Mercator Ocean International participated in this year’s Greenpact Conference in Poznań. Organised by the Polish Chamber of Commerce, it is one of the key regional events dedicated to sustainable development. It brings together representatives of public administration, business, and civil society organizations who share an interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building, helping shape local policies and best practices.
At the event, Muriel Lux, Policy and Major Account Manager at Mercator Ocean International, highlighted the accelerating and simultaneous changes taking place across the global ocean, emphasising the key role of operational oceanography in supporting evidence-based policy and sustainable management of marine resources. She noted how no part of the ocean remains unaffected by the intensifying effects of climate change, with record-breaking warming, rising sea levels, and year-round marine heatwaves being observed across Europe, in regions such as the Baltic Sea.
As Mercator Ocean International evolves into becoming an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), it carries a public interest mission under EU and UN mandates. It provides authoritative ocean information, operational services which deliver global ocean prediction models, and supports international ocean programmes and policies, supporting the advancements in digital capabilities needed to support governments in anticipating and responding to environmental challenges.
In her address, Murial Lux underlined the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation with Poland at a decisive moment for European ocean governance. She added:
“Poland’s invitation to join the new Intergovernmental Organization marks an important milestone for European ocean governance. As a Member State, Poland would actively contribute to shaping Digital Ocean Systems, including the European Digital Twin Ocean, strengthening our collective capacity to respond to the challenges facing the global ocean.”
Poland’s role in contributing to Europe’s Digital Ocean Systems
By signing the IGO International Convention, Poland would take an active role in co-developing the European programme for Digital Ocean Systems. This includes contributing to the development and uptake of advanced digital tools which support decision making, such as predictive “what-if” scenario modelling, machine learning applications, and simulations used to assess the effectiveness and safety of future interventions.
Mercator Ocean International’s engagement at the Greenpact Conference reflects its commitment to working with European partners to advance digital ocean governance and ensure that decision makers have access to the best available ocean knowledge and operational services.