Show Review
Pioneering Sustainability at the 5th UN Ocean Forum: A Review of the MAPS Expo in Geneva
The Marine-based Products and Services (MAPS) Expo, held from March 3rd to 5th, 2025, in Geneva, was a compelling showcase aligned with the 5th United Nations Ocean Forum’s theme, “Ocean Economy, Trade Policy, Climate, and Development Nexus.”
Hosted by UNCTAD and its partners, the event took place in the prestigious Palais des Nations and brought together a global assembly of businesses, researchers, innovators, and policymakers dedicated to ocean conservation, sustainable marine industries, and cutting-edge marine-based products. The Expo successfully highlighted the growing urgency of ocean stewardship while offering hopeful, actionable solutions toward sustainable marine economies.
Opening Ceremony and Agenda Overview
The Expo was officially inaugurated on March 3rd in the Palaisdes Nations’ Exhibition Hall. The event was led by Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head of TEDB/DITC at UNCTAD, who expertly guided the opening session. Ms. Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, Director of UNCTAD’s Division of International Trade and Commodities, delivered opening remarks that set the tone for the three-day event—underscoring the vital intersection of trade policy, climate action, and ocean economy growth.
High-level representatives further enriched the opening session. Among them were H.E. Mr. Mxolisi Nkosi, Ambassador of South Africa to the United Nations Office at Geneva, who highlighted the critical role of international cooperation for ocean sustainability. Mr. Aik Hoe Lim, Director of Trade and Environment Division at the World Trade Organization, emphasized the importance of trade policies in promoting marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. This confluence of diplomatic voices framed the Expo’s agenda as a strategic platform for dialogue and action.
The three-day schedule featured product demonstrations, informational sessions, and networking opportunities, all centered on fostering collaboration and innovation.
The Expo’s location in the 3rd-floor Gallery of the Palais des Nations’ E-building provided a dynamic setting, conveniently situated near the Ocean Forum meeting rooms, encouraging dialogue between exhibitors and attendees.
At the Marine-based Products and Services (MAPS) Expo in Geneva, innovators and leaders came together to showcase sustainable solutions for marine conservation. INBAR’s booth shined a spotlight on the transformative potential of bamboo and rattan in tackling plastic pollution and supporting coastal communities.
Showcasing Solutions: Exhibitors and Innovations
The MAPS Expo brought together exhibitors from all five continents, representing a diverse spectrum of industries committed to sustainable marine economies. The event was a vivid testament to how businesses and organizations are transforming challenges into opportunities through technology, innovation, and circular economy principles.
A major focus was on mitigating plastic pollution—one of the world’s most pressing ocean threats. Exhibitors like Catchgreen, GO!PHA, INBAR, Shellworks, Uluu, and Zerocircle showcased frontier materials and non-plastic substitutes that could replace conventional plastics. These innovative materials included biodegradable composites and marine-derived bioplastics designed to reduce the plastic footprint without compromising performance. Demonstrations highlighted how these alternatives could be scaled commercially to address global pollution challenges.
Strengthening food security and promoting sustainable fisheries was another pillar of the Expo. Organizations such as FAO GLOBEFISH and the Fédération Nationale des Paniers de la Mer presented innovative marine-based approaches to sustainable seafood production and fisheries management.
Their exhibits detailed strategies for responsible harvesting, improved traceability, and enhanced supply chain transparency—crucial for supporting coastal communities and preserving marine biodiversity.
Advancements in decarbonization and circular economy models also featured prominently. Busitema-TEXFAD, The Flipflopi Project Foundation, and Mananasi Fibre Ltd. introduced technologies and projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions across ocean industries, from shipping to aquaculture.
For instance, The Flipflopi Project Foundation showcased sustainable vessel designs built with recycled and locally sourced materials, blending traditional knowledge with modern sustainability goals.
Seaweed and marine-based materials for biodegradable packaging, textiles, and food innovation received special attention, reflecting their growing market potential. The International Seaweed Association and Quelp displayed products that harness seaweed’s versatility—from biodegradable food packaging to eco-friendly textiles— demonstrating a promising pathway to replace fossil-fuel-derived materials.
Building Bridges: Networking and Global Collaboration
What made the MAPS Expo stand out was its function as a global platform for networking and partnership-building. The diversity of exhibitors and the multidisciplinary audience, which included diplomats, scientists, economists, and advocates, fostered an interdisciplinary dialogue essential for holistic solutions. This cross-sector collaboration is critical as the Expo built momentum towards the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France.
The Expo’s networking space was a hub of dynamic exchanges, where stakeholders explored partnerships to scale innovations and expand markets for marine-based sustainable products. From startups to established corporations, exhibitors engaged with policymakers and financiers, nurturing opportunities that could accelerate the transition to ocean-safe, low-carbon economies.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Sustainable Oceans
The MAPS Expo embodied a hopeful narrative amid the pressing challenges faced by the world’s oceans. By focusing on real-world solutions—ranging from advanced materials and sustainable fisheries to decarbonization and circular economy frameworks—the Expo charted a course toward a resilient, sustainable ocean economy.
UNCTAD’s initiative highlighted the necessity of integrating trade policy with environmental stewardship, emphasizing that economic growth and ocean conservation are not mutually exclusive. The event was a vivid reminder that innovative marine-based products and services have a key role in reshaping industries, protecting marine ecosystems, and supporting coastal livelihoods.
As the international community moves towards the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the MAPS Expo provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to align their efforts, share knowledge, and forge partnerships. It underscored the power of innovation, collaboration, and policy coherence to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development in marine sectors.
In conclusion, the 2025 MAPS Expo was more than an exhibition—it was a vibrant, forward-looking platform that showcased the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation, inspiring collective action to safeguard our oceans for future generations.
2. Maritime Security Summit
July 23-24, 2025
https://maritime.dsigroup.org/