RECAP OF OUR SECOND STOPOVER IN NICE
From June 2nd to 4th, as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the Race For Water team aboard the MODX 70 joined the Wonders of the Ocean fleet. In collaboration with several members of the Génération Mer Expedition Cluster, educational tours were organized on board the ships present in Nice, open to the general public and school groups. Two public conferences were also held at La Baleine, the name given to the Palais des Expositions in Nice, which was transformed for the occasion into a large, free, and open immersive marine experience for all.
FOCUS ON THE RECAP OF OUR STOPOVER IN NICE
l A PUBLIC CONFERENCE ENTITLED “SEAGRASSES: A TREASURE FOR THE OCEAN AND THE CLIMATE”.
On Monday, June 2nd, the Foundation held a conference titled “Seagrasses : A Treasure for the Ocean and the Climate,” highlighting the many ecological services provided by seagrass meadows : carbon storage, coastal protection, and habitat for diverse and rich marine life.
Patrick Astruch, research engineer at GIS Posidonie, shared his expertise to illustrate these issues, using Posidonia, a Mediterranean emblematic species, as a key example. He also presented best practices and existing solutions to preserve these ecosystems against human and climate pressures.
This conference was part of the “Posidonia” mission, led by the Race for Water Foundation from May 9th to June 10th in the PACA region, in partnership with GIS Posidonie. It also served as a mid-term update to announce initial results observed by the scientists.
l A PUBLIC CONFERENCE ENTITLED “TALES FROM THE OPEN SEA: TESTIMONIES OF THE WONDERS OF THE OCEAN”.
On Tuesday, June 3rd, the Foundation participated in the conference series “Tales from the Open Sea: Testimonies of the Wonders of the Ocean.” Marco Simeoni, President and Founder of Race for Water, and Camille Rollin, Coordinator of the Ocean and Climate Odyssey, shared their commitments through the Foundation’s story and presented the new ambassador ship, present in Nice on the Posidonia mission as part of the Ocean and Climate Odyssey.
l EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO RAISE AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG GENERATIONS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
From June 2nd to 4th, aboard the Race for Water MODX 70, several educational workshops were organized in partnership with La Fresque Océane. These interactive sessions gave young people and the public a hands-on opportunity to explore Race for Water’s commitments to ocean protection. Through discussions, role-playing, and fun tools, participants deepened their understanding of the interactions between the ocean and the climate, and became aware of their connection to this essential ecosystem for life on Earth.
The program concluded with an exclusive tour of the revolutionary zero-emission, noiseless MODX 70 vessel, led by Captain Raphaël Lambot and watch sailor Emilie Garros.
In less than 48 hours, we welcomed 65 students and their chaperones, as well as 50 visitors from the general public aboard.
l THE GREAT PARADE FOR THE OCEAN.
On Sunday, June 8th, the MODX 70 participated in the Great Parade for the Ocean, an iconic event organized by Yvan Griboval with support from the Région Sud. About thirty exceptional vessels, known as the “Wonders of the Ocean,” paraded in the Bay of Angels to celebrate World Ocean Day. This spectacular parade also marked the official launch of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), whose diplomatic sessions began the following day. Majestic sailing ships, exploration vessels, and oceanographic fleet boats sailed under the watchful eyes of political leaders, UNOC delegates, and a large public audience honoring the ocean.
© Photo Yvan Griboval