LOOKING BACK ON OUR FIRST STOPOVER IN MARSEILLE
From May 12 to 16, as part of the Mediterranean campaign of the Ocean and Climate Odyssey, the Race For Water team made its first stopover in Marseille to raise awareness among the general public, school groups, policymakers, and businesses about the connection between the Ocean and Climate, as well as the critical need to decarbonize maritime transport.
Over 300 visitors were welcomed aboard Race for Water’s new ambassador vessel, the MODX 70, a zero-emission, noise-free catamaran. Many others had the opportunity to learn more about ocean-related challenges during two public conferences held at the Marseille City Hall.
FOCUS ON THE RECAP OF OUR MARSEILLE STOPOVER
l A FILM DEBATE AROUND THE DOCUMENTARY “PLASTIC: A COLLECTIVE SUICIDE?”.
On Monday, May 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., a Film Debate was held around the documentary “Plastic: A Collective Suicide?”. This film highlights our dependence on plastic and its effects on both health and the environment. Around thirty people attended the screening.
They then engaged in nearly an hour of discussion with Camille Rollin, who contributed to the making of the documentary and took part in the previous Race for Water Odyssey, during which many of the film’s images and testimonies were collected.
l EDUCATIONAL TOURS TO RAISE AWARENESS AMONG YOUNGER GENERATIONS.
During this week, nearly 200 students discovered an educational program that was both fun, engaging, and collaborative, specially designed for them.
Their immersion began with the screening of two short films, introducing them to the goals of the Ocean and Climate Odyssey and the key issues of the Posidonia mission. Camille Rollin then guided them through a group reflection using the Ocean Quiz Card Game, helping them explore the many ecological services provided by the ocean and the threats it currently faces.
The students then continued their journey with a guided tour of the MODX 70, led by the ship’s captain Raphaël Lambot and crew member Émilie Garros. This visit allowed them to explore a revolutionary catamaran designed for clean and sustainable navigation.
To deepen their knowledge, they took part in interactive workshops led by La Fresque Océane and Les Petits Débrouillards, delving into the close connections between the ocean and the climate. The youngest participants concluded the experience with an artistic activity, creating beautiful illustrated messages in tribute to the ocean.
On Thursday, May 15, in parallel with the educational tour, about a hundred CM1-CM2 pupils (4th and 5th graders) had the unique opportunity to attend a special screening and discussion around the documentary Posidonia, in the presence of its directors, Nelly Kars and Bruno Lambert.
l A SEMINAR DEDICATED TO THE DECARBONIZATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT.
On Tuesday, May 13, an exclusive seminar dedicated to decarbonizing maritime transport took place. This event was held aboard the ambassador vessel, the MODX 70, bringing together Marseille-based experts and pioneers in the maritime transition to share innovative technological and strategic solutions.
About a dozen maritime stakeholders from Marseille attended the seminar. Innovative presentations and real-life testimonies highlighted the urgent need to decarbonize maritime transport and showcased solutions already in action : cargo sailing ships, intelligent wing sails, solar propulsion, hydrogen, and hydrogen generation.
The goal ? To reconcile technological performance with ocean conservation. This was a fascinating deep dive into a cleaner, more sustainable, and more human maritime future, full details are available in the full report.
Speakers :
- Marco Siméoni, President and Founder of the Race for Water Foundation
- Christophe Madrolle, Chair of the Maritime Commission, Région Sud
- Franck David, Executive Director of Ocean Développement
- Colomban Monnier, President of the ENSM Foundation
- Djamina Houdet Caseneuve, Co-founder of the cooperative HISSEO
- Nicolas Imbert, Executive Director of GREENCROSS
- Jean Guyon, Executive Director of AEROFORCE
You can find the full report right here.
l A MORNING CONFERENCE ON POSIDONIA TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THIS SEAGRASS MEADOW.
On Thursday, May 15, at Espace Villeneuve-Bargemon, a conference on Posidonia was held, featuring various speakers to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving this unique Mediterranean seagrass meadow.
The event opened with a welcome address by Hervé Menchon, Deputy Mayor of Marseille, who emphasized the significance of local action in addressing climate challenges.
Camille Rollin then presented the Race For Water Foundation and its Posidonia mission, dedicated to protecting this underwater plant.
Charles-François Boudouresque’s talk helped the audience better understand how this Mediterranean seagrass is emblematic of the powerful connections between the ocean and climate, and highlighted why preserving Posidonia is a vital act of climate resilience.
The conference was followed by a special screening of the documentary film Posidonia, directed by Nelly Kars and Bruno Lambert. This maritime and sporting adventure evoked strong emotions, great interest, and many questions from the audience.
The evening concluded with a lively discussion with attendees, underscoring the collective commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem.
A SECOND STOP IN NICE AS PART OF THE 3RD UN OCEAN CONFERENCE (UNOC).
Race for Water will also make a second stop in Nice from June 2 to 4, 2025. The MODX 70 will join the fleet of the Wonders of the Ocean as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference.
In collaboration with members of the Génération Mer Expedition Cluster, an educational program will be offered to raise awareness about various ocean-related issues, highlighting the commitments of each member through collective efforts and complementary public outreach activities.
Find the full program for the Nice stopover here.
