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The FFEM at the Heart of Ocean Protection Efforts during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference
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On the occasion of the 3rd edition of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) reaffirms its commitment to climate resilience and the preservation of marine and aquatic ecosystems.
In response to the increasing impacts of climate change—particularly for the most vulnerable territories—the FFEM’s action is guided by four strategic priorities:
- Contributing to the 30x30 target by supporting the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): creation, co-management, financing, and connectivity.
- Supporting the implementation of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ – Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction).
- Promoting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation and coastal resilience.
- Combating marine pollution at its source (acoustic, plastic, etc.).
Two Events Co-organized by the FFEM to Showcase Practical Solutions
During UNOC 2025, the FFEM is co-organizing two events to highlight innovative, partnership-based solutions for ocean protection:
- June 6 at 3:00 PM – Archipel Pavilion : Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience
This session will spotlight the growing interest in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address coastal erosion and climate change adaptation. Moderated by Janique Étienne, the event will bring together FFEM partners and beneficiaries to share concrete and inspiring experiences.
Partners: Conservatoire du Littoral, PRCM, IOC, Nebeday, FundaEco, Comité Suivi Écologique, NGO Lantuna
- June 10 at 12:00 PM – Pavilion : Beyond Borders: Ocean of the Future – High Seas Conservation: Challenges and Solutions
As the high seas remain largely unexplored and under pressure, this event will focus on the need to strengthen scientific knowledge, support the implementation of the BBNJ treaty, and promote the creation of Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks beyond national jurisdictions.
Partners: OFB, IUCN, UNESCO
Active Participation in Numerous Side Events with Our Partners
Beyond these two key events, the FFEM will contribute to several side events to share lessons learned from its projects:
- Monday, June 9 – 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM : Shaping Blue Tourism: Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Pathways
Janique Étienne, Ocean project officer, will also speak on sustainable blue tourism alongside IDDRI, CORDIO, and EcoUnion.
- Location: West of the Hotel de Nice, Poseidon Room
- Co-organizers: IDDRI, Nairobi Convention Secretariat, GIZ, FFEM, CORDIO East Africa, Ocean & Climate Platform, CANARI, Eco-Union, IUCN Mediterranean Cooperation Center, and The Travel Foundation
- Partner: IDDRI
- Tuesday, June 10 – 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM : The MedFund: An Innovative Financial Mechanism to Support the Global Biodiversity Framework – Lessons from the Mediterranean for the Global Ocean
Stéphanie Bouziges-Eschmann will participate in the presentation session of the MedFund, an innovative financial mechanism for marine biodiversity conservation, supported by the FFEM. Janique Étienne will also speak on the preservation of the Thermal Dome in the Northeast Tropical Pacific, alongside MarViva and the Villefranche Observatory.
- Location: Blue Zone (Room 3), Congress Center, Port of Nice, Quai Infernet, 06300 Nice, France
- Partners: Prince Albert II Foundation, MedFund
- FFEM-supported project highlighted: MedFund Project
- Wednesday, June 11 – 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM : Source to Sea Approach to Ending Marine Plastic Pollution: Policy, Innovation, Financing, and Partnerships
Diane Ménard, Pollution Project Officer at the FFEM, will take part in the "From Source to Sea" event dedicated to integrated approaches to ending marine plastic pollution. She will present the plastic waste management project implemented in Costa Rica in partnership with UNDP.
- Location: Orca Room, La Baleine (Green Zone)
- Partner: United Nations Development Programme Costa Rica
- FFEM-supported project highlighted: Costa Rica Plastic Waste Project
A Collective Presence to Champion a Common Ambition
Alongside the FFEM, many partners and beneficiaries will be actively involved throughout the conference: TARA, Sulubaai, SMILO, WWF, WCS, Conservation International, IRD, OFB, Conservatoire du Littoral, ADEME, IDDRI, EcoUnion, MedFund, MarFund, PRCM, BeMed, and many others.
All are working together to bring forward tangible, science-based, partnership-driven, and innovative solutions for the benefit of our oceans.