Prince William sees oyster reef project on New York visit for environmental summit

Trip taking place to coincide with city's climate week and UN General Assembly

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales examines oyster samples in the East River with students in Brooklyn, New York on September 18, 2023. Reuters

Prince William got a first-hand look at the waters of New York on Monday on a visit to an oyster reef restoration project, after arriving in the US for an environmental summit connected to a global competition for solutions to climate change challenges.

He was taken to Governors Island in New York Harbour to see the efforts of the Billion Oyster Project.

The organisation is trying to rebuild the oyster reefs that were once abundant in New York waters, and which can help with water filtration and protect against storm damage.

The prince also met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday, according to the UN.

It said the two discussed efforts needed to step up the fight against climate change, as well as ways to finance development and improve implementation of key UN goals.

“Eighty years ago, the world came together in this great city to find a new way, through the UN, to solve our shared challenges,” the prince said.

“I know our generation can take the bold action we need to make changes towards a healthy and sustainable world.”

On Tuesday, he is scheduled to speak at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit. He founded the prize, which looks for ways to address problems created by climate change, and is announcing a second group of finalists.

The summit is taking place during New York Climate Week and the 78th convening of world leaders at the UN General Assembly.