UNOC: a promising balance sheet
Human activity is putting considerable pressure on the seas and oceans. Marine pollution, particularly plastic, industrial overfishing, climate change and the drought it causes, and access to clean water are all major challenges that require the attention and commitment of everyone.
That’s why, as part of its mission to ‘protect marine resources’, the Jacques Martel Foundation has decided to do its bit to raise awareness and mobilise people around these challenges.
As part of the UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference), held from 9 to 13 June, the Fund supported several projects:
🌊 The “Seas and Oceans” trail, run by Sens Solidaires, to discover the marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean and test your knowledge.
To find out more: https://buff.ly/OW1VvDe
🌍 An educational stand co-hosted with the 4myplanet association, to help everyone discover the ocean, its rich biodiversity and the pollution-related issues it faces.
🤝 Meetings and discussions with associations active both locally and nationally, such as Surfrider Foundation Europe, No plastic in my sea and CPIE Azur & Pays de Lérins, all supported by the Fund.
🎙️ Taking part in the round table discussion on ‘The challenges of preserving our coasts and oceans in relation to regional economic activity’, organised by Société Générale and featuring leading advocates for the seas and oceans such as Patricia Ricard and Fabrice Bernard.
The UNOC is now over, but we want to think of this conference as a beginning, a springboard. There were many exchanges, some advances and a significant impetus provided by the associations, which succeeded in getting their message across to the public authorities and civil society.
The Jacques Martel Foundation remains committed.
Although blue philanthropy is growing significantly ($1 billion by 2022 compared with $430 million in 2010), it is the poor relation of global philanthropy, accounting for barely 1% of global fundraising.
The stakes are too high to be satisfied with these levels, and it is important to remain committed and to make this known in order to inspire others!
In this respect, the Jacques Martel Foundation is delighted to announce that it has signed the Appeal of Funds and Foundations for the Ocean. A strong commitment to protecting marine environments.
For more information: https://buff.ly/7zQ1v8x
Next steps: we share the ideas put forward by the Sea Foundation, at a conference dedicated to it: blue philanthropy needs to be structured, coordinated and encourage stakeholders to work together to achieve a positive collective impact.
In this context, the Jacques Martel Foundation will remain attentive to initiatives and continue to take part in the preservation of biodiversity and marine species through various actions and financial support.
We will keep you informed.