RECAP OF OUR SECOND STOPOVER IN NICE

From June 2 to 4, as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the Race For Water team aboard MODX 70 joined the Ocean Wonders fleet. In collaboration with several members of the Génération Mer Expedition Cluster, educational programs were organized on board the ships present in Nice, offered 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-to-all immersive marine experience space.

FOCUS ON THE RECAP OF OUR STOPOVER IN NICE

l A PUBLIC CONFERENCE ENTITLED “SEAGRASS MEADOWS : A TREASURE FOR THE OCEAN AND THE CLIMATE.”

On Monday, June 2, the Foundation hosted a conference entitled “Seagrass Meadows : A Treasure for the Ocean and the Climate”, highlighting the multiple ecological services provided by seagrass meadows : carbon storage, coastal protection, and habitat for a rich and diverse fauna.

Patrick Astruch, a research engineer at GIS Posidonie, shared his expertise to illustrate these issues, notably using the example of Posidonia, an emblematic species of the Mediterranean. He also presented best practices and existing solutions to preserve these ecosystems in the face of human and climate pressures.

This conference was part of the “Posidonia” mission, conducted by the Race for Water Foundation from May 9 to June 10 in the PACA region in partnership with GIS Posidonie. It was also an opportunity to provide a mid-term update and announce the first results observed by the scientists.

You can find the slides presented during the conference here.

l A PUBLIC CONFERENCE ENTITLED “TALES FROM THE OPEN SEA : VOICES OF THE OCEAN WONDERS.”

On Tuesday, June 3, the Foundation was invited to participate in the conference series “Tales from the Open Sea : Voices of the Ocean Wonders.” Marco Simeoni, President and Founder of Race For Water, and Camille Rollin, Coordinator of the Ocean and Climate Odyssey, shared their commitments through the story of the Foundation and presented the new ambassador vessel, currently in Nice on the Posidonia mission for the Ocean and Climate Odyssey.

You can find the slides presented during the conference here.

l EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO RAISE AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG GENERATIONS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

From June 2nd to June 4th, aboard the Race for Water’s MODX 70, several educational programs were organized in partnership with La Fresque Océane. These interactive workshops offered younger generations and the general public the opportunity to concretely explore Race for Water’s commitments to ocean protection. Through discussions, role-playing, and engaging tools, participants deepened their understanding of the interactions between the ocean and the climate and became aware of the interconnections that link them to this essential ecosystem for life on Earth.

The program concludes with an exclusive tour of the revolutionary MODX 70 vessel, which produces zero polluting emissions and no noise, guided by Raphaël Lambot, the ship’s captain, and Emilie Garros, watch sailor.

In less than 48 hours, we welcomed 65 students and their chaperones on board, as well as 50 members of the general public.

l THE GREAT PARADE FOR THE OCEAN.

On Sunday, June 8th, the MODX 70 took part in The Great Parade for the Ocean, an iconic event organized by Yvan Griboval with the support of the Région Sud. On this occasion, about thirty exceptional vessels, dubbed the “Wonders of the Ocean,” sailed through the Bay of Angels to celebrate World Ocean Day. This spectacular parade also marked the official kickoff of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), whose diplomatic sessions began the following day. Majestic sailing ships, exploration vessels, and oceanographic fleet ships sailed under the watchful eyes of political leaders, UNOC delegates, and a large public gathered to honor this tribute to the ocean.