22 May 2025
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?
In the run-up to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit (UNOC3) in Nice in June 2025, this Rendez-vous de l’Expertise highlighted local and regional initiatives that make the Indian Ocean islands emblematic of the challenges of insularity in the face of ocean issues. The event explored 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.
Expertise France projects related to the preservation of oceans and biodiversity :
Expertise France projects related to the preservation of oceans and biodiversity :
Speakers
Corporate introduction
Quentin Biehler
Director of the French Institute in Maurice
Jérémie Pellet
Managing Director, Expertise France
Grand angle 1
Oceans under pressure: between climate threats and human pressures, challenges common to island territories
Dr. Jay Doorga
Lecturer and Director of the Earth and Ocean Laboratory at Université des Mascareignes, on the challenges facing small island states in the face of climate change
Aline Tribollet
Research Director, IRD
Joshua Rambahiniarison
Marine biology researcher at Cordio East Africa
Christophe Legrand
RECOS project coordinator - Indian Ocean Commission
Grand angle 2
Collective Responses to the Challenges of the Indian Ocean: Local Experiences and Regional Dynamics
Fabiola Monty
Co-founder of the NGO Nature Yetu
Hugh Doulton
Co-director of NGO Dahari
Léa de Oliveira
Odysseo Foundation Program Manager
Sevahnee Pyneeandy
MPA network coordinator for Réserves Naturelles de France, Varuna project partner
Mélyne Tarer
International Technical Expert, Interim Director Blue Economy - Illegal Fishing, Indian Ocean Rim Association
Nouveau Regard
Kan Chan Kin
Artist, promoter of the "Trash to Music" project
Perspectives
Hervé Berville
French MP for Côtes-d'Armor and former Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity
Moderation
Gallagher Fenwick
Moderator