Groundbreaking event in France calls for rethinking humanity’s relationship with the Ocean

The event, entitled “The future is now: we will immerse ourselves in an ocean of possibilities”, with the aim of promoting hope and promoting transformative solutions to address the pressing challenges of the ocean. This initiative was a key part of the Third Ocean Conference of the United Nations (UNOC3) in progress in the French coastal city of Nice.

Organized by the Oceanic and Climate Platform and the Varda Group, the event sought to trigger new ideas about the protection of the world’s oceans and achieve long -term environmental sustainability.

In particular, the event was aligned with the Mission of UNOC3, which was co-elbitrion for France and Costa Rica. As described in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB), the meeting was a vital consultation with civil society in the period prior to the main conference.

The agenda of the event was built around two main initiatives: the principle of oceanic protection and the concept of a “ocean of possibilities”. Both initiatives seek to remodel global conversation in the ocean focusing on innovative solutions promoted by people who prioritize environmental equity, justice and sustainability.

One of the key conclusions of the event was the need for a paradigm shift in the way in which humanity values ​​and interacts with the ocean. A recurring theme was the importance of adopting creativity and unconventional thinking by devising solutions to the most urgent problems of the ocean.

A discussion panel about the principle of oceanic protection. Photo/IISD.

Loreley Picourt, executive director of the Ocean & Climate platform, emphasized the importance of civil society in the impulse of this change, noting that the relationship between humans and the ocean must be strengthened with thrust and shared values.

“We must mobilize communities and individuals, focusing on local and accessible solutions. These base movements cause the most transformative change,” said Picourt. “We must think creatively and not be built by obsolete frames that limit the possibilities.”

Rémi Parmentier, co -founder of the Varda Group, echoed this feeling. He highlighted the need for new and bold ideas that challenge traditional power structures and offer inclusive solutions.

Parmentier spoke passionately about the principle of ocean protection, which advocates the recognition of the ocean as a global common, protected by laws that safeguard their health for future generations.

Parmentier also suggested the establishment of “ocean ministijas” to directly address the concerns of the ocean community, without going through the largest bureaucratic structures that often suffocate innovation.

“We need to think out of the box and push the limits, while avoiding large institutions that restrict creativity,” he urged.

The event also served as a platform for civil society to advocate more radical changes. One of the central discussions revolved around the initiative ‘Our future blue: a call to the action of the ocean community’, which aims to gather support for transformative actions that ensure that the future of the ocean is fair, healthy and resistant.

Anne Park, CEO of the Ocean sustainable alliance, closed the event with a powerful message: “The future is not something we expect, it is something we create together, starting now.”

She continued to emphasize that the ocean is not simply a resource to be exploited, but a fundamental part of the existence of humanity, which deserves respect, reciprocity and protection.

“Think of the ocean not as a resource, but as a relative, a teacher and a home,” Park added. “We must reinvent our relationship with it, focus on reciprocity and responsibility.”

Through the event, participants were encouraged to assume an active role in the configuration of the future of the ocean. Duration An interactive dialogue on the transformative driving change, Parmentier urged the attendees to “rock the boat”, a metaphor to challenge the status quo.

However, Hey also reminded them that their efforts should focus on ensuring that “boats” move in the right direction, towards a sustainable future.

The participants attend the event “The future is now: we are going to immerse ourselves in an ocean of possibilities.” Photo/IISD

The discussions and initiatives presented in the event are part of a growing movement to protect the oceans of the world from growing threats of climate change, pollution and overexploitation.

It is expected that the UN Ocean Conference, hero following this meeting, serves as a significant milestone in the progress of world efforts of oceanic protection.

While the challenges are huge, the collective resolution of the participants, from civil society leaders to corporate innovators, showed that a real change is possible.

The ocean, they agreed, is not only an external entity to be handled, but an integral part of life on earth, one that requires the collective care and respect of humanity.

In Anne Park’s words, the future of the ocean is in our hands. It depends on each or us to take action now, ensuring a sustainable ocean for future generations.