By: Joshua Stone and Jenna Morrison, Student Ambassadors, USA Pavilion

Today the King of Monaco, H.S.H. Prince Albert II visited the Yeosu Expo to celebrate the National Day of the Principality of Monaco and to honor the overarching theme of the exposition itself: “The Living Ocean and Coast”. Although the high-level experts’ meeting on the development of Protected Marine Areas in which Prince Albert II attended was closed off to the general public, we were given the opportunity to attend the screening of the world famous director Jacques Perrin’s “Oceans” at the Expo Hall today with the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Pavilion, Andrew Snowhite.

The screening of the film itself was filled with pomp and circumstance as many high profile executives were in attendance, including numerous Pavilion Directors from a myriad of countries participating in the Yeosu Expo, director Jacques Perrin, and of course, Prince Albert II of Monaco. After the reception of the Prince, many esteemed individuals such as the representative of the Korean government and the Yeosu Expo and Jacques Perrin presented speeches with the accompaniment of translators. Afterwards, the actual screening of the film “Oceans” began.

The film centered on the wild beauty of the ocean and the broad expanse of life that it encompasses. From humorous shots of adorable sea lions to mind-boggling footage of millions upon millions of crustaceans covering the ocean floor for what seemed to be miles upon miles, the film presented the unadulterated, natural world of ocean life. In stark contrast, the film also displayed the harm that humankind has caused and continues to bring about to the ocean, thereby illuminating a picture of humanity as a blight on the ocean. Although this description of the film may seem to be completely gloom and doom, the film ends on a positive and hopeful note by reminding the audience of the everlasting cycle of rejuvenation that the ocean and the Earth in a more general sense, has gone through for millions of years and, even today, continues to go through. In conclusion, the film ends by stating that although the situation of the ocean is indeed bleak, hope still exists and, more than ever, humankind realizes that it must be good keepers of the ocean upon which life the world around depends.

Indeed, the wondrous film that we had the pleasure to view proved to be a great boon, as it enlighten us even more to the ailments facing the ocean today. Moreover, it rekindled within us a deep sense of affection towards the ocean, which we believe is the whole point of this entire exposition: to inform individuals from around the world that everything they do makes a difference, whether it be positive or negative. By enlightening and empowering the masses, one can only sincerely wish that he or she becomes inspired to make a positive difference in this world.