Preserving the Oceans: How are the Indian Ocean Islands Tackling the Threats to Biodiversity and Marine Resources?
How are the Indian Ocean Islands Tackling the Threats to Biodiversity and Marine Resources?
As we prepare for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit (UNOC3) in Nice in June 2025, this Rendez-vous de l’Expertise aims to highlight local and regional initiatives that make the islands of the Indian Ocean emblematic of the challenges of insularity in the face of ocean issues. This event will explore how these challenges can be met collectively through regional cooperation and best practices adapted to the island context.
On the programme:
- An overview of the ocean challenges facing Mauritius and other small island states (coastal erosion, growing pressure on marine resources, plastic pollution and the effects of climate change).
- Concrete examples of local and regional solutions, through initiatives such as the network of Marine Protected Areas supported by the Varuna project, the fight against marine litter with IORA, and security cooperation via CRIMARIO.
- Reflection on the place of SIDS on the international agenda and proposals for UNOC3: island states have a key role to play in negotiations on the future of the oceans, particularly in terms of governance of natural resources and appropriate financing.
Director, French Institute of Mauritius
Managing Director, Expertise France
Oceans Under Pressure: Between Climate Threats and Human Actions, Common Challenges for Island Territories
Lecturer and Director of the Earth and Ocean Laboratory at the University of the Mascarene Islands, on the challenges facing small island states in the face of climate change.
Research Director, IRD
Marine biology researcher at Cordio East Africa
RECOS project coordinator
Collective Responses to the Challenges of the Indian Ocean: Local Experiences and Regional Dynamics
Co-founder of the NGO Nature Yetu
Co-director of NGO Dahari
Odysseo Foundation Program Manager
MPA network coordinator for Réserves Naturelles de France, Varuna project partner
International technical expert, Director of Blue Economy - illegal fishing, Indian Rim Association
French MP for Côte d'Armor and former Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity
Moderator