### The Nice conference on the oceans: mobilization or promise of sustainable development?
Emmanuel Macron recently invited world leaders to Nice for a United Nations Conference on the Oceans, a meeting that could prove to be crucial in a context of increasing climate crisis and alarming marine damage. This initiative, although welcomed, arouses questions about the real ability to transform discourse into concrete actions. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, director of research at CNRS specializing in marine ecology, shared his analysis on France 24, highlighting the importance of this event while highlighting the challenges that accompany him.
### environmental issues
The decline in marine biodiversity, ocean pollution, and the rise of waters due to climate change constitute pressing threats to marine ecosystems and the human communities that depend on it. According to scientific relationships, the oceans absorb approximately a quarter of the carbon dioxide issued by human activities, a vital role in climate regulation. However, this absorption capacity also leads to water acidification, seriously affecting marine life. This observation calls for a collective and urgent response from the nations.
The Nice Conference therefore presents itself as a potential platform to discuss the preservation and sustainable management strategies of maritime resources. It is essential to question how this event can truly catalyze concrete commitments on the part of the States, rather than being only a point of punctual meeting without a future.
#### Realities and challenges
Despite an increasing interest in the question of oceans, the history of environmental conferences shows a certain ambivalence. Discussions on such crucial subjects can often be hampered by the complexity of national or economic interests. Exports of seafood, coastal tourism and the exploitation of underwater resources raise economic issues often in contradiction with the objectives of ecological sustainability.
The declarations of Jean-Pierre Gattuso on France 24 recall that even when agreements are achieved, their real implementation remains problematic. It is therefore relevant to question: how can the decisions made in Nice, whatever they are, be followed by tangible effects on the ground?
#### A call for collective action
A major opportunity for the conference lies in its ability to bring together stakeholders, including scientists, NGOs, the private sector, and governments. This could allow an exchange of knowledge and best practices, as well as mobilization of funds necessary for the protection of the oceans. This integrated approach could meet the need to unite efforts for concerted management of maritime resources, breaking with individualism which has often characterized previous environmental discourses.
Expectations are therefore high as to the proposal of innovative solutions, combining sustainable development and blue economy, where marine resources would be used in a thoughtful manner, avoiding overexploitation. This notion of “mobilization” mentioned by Macron could offer a new vision, but requires a sincere commitment and concrete measures to go beyond the declarations.
#### The road to follow
It is legitimate to question how the results of this conference will be translated into effective actions. International consultation on the oceans should not remain a wishful vow, but turn into a continuous and inclusive process. The education of future generations, support for scientific research, and the strengthening of conservation policies are axes to favor.
In conclusion, the Nice conference represents not only a decisive moment for ocean governance, but also an opportunity for collective action on a global issue. The words can be powerful, but these are the acts that will change the trajectory of our seas and oceans. The international community has the opportunity to show up to the challenges that await it. The future of the oceans, as often underlines Jean-Pierre Gattuso, depends on our ability to act together with a shared vision and courageous decisions.