Key topics included the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems, the devastating effects of plastic pollution, and the challenges posed by high-seas activities.
On March 17th, the International School of Nice (ISN) became a hub of environmental action, hosting a distinguished delegation from the Mairie de Nice for Eco Week. With ‘Water and Ocean Conservation’ as this year’s theme, the event sparked crucial conversations on marine sustainability ahead of the upcoming Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), set to take place in Nice in 2025. The conference aims to drive global action and unite stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable management of ocean resources, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Roundtable Discussion: The Future of Our Oceans
The event kicked off with a thought-provoking roundtable discussion, bringing together city officials and passionate young ocean defenders from both the Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) levels. The discussion addressed pressing environmental challenges and explored sustainable marine governance.
Among the notable attendees were Maty Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice and the event’s patron, along with Richard Chemla, Deputy Mayor for Health, Environment, and Ocean Summit 2025. They were joined by Agnès Rampal, Deputy Mayor for Euro-Mediterranean Relations, FlorentSerge Stora (Director of International Relations), and several experts in environmental policy, including Hervé Bonein and Jean Vincent Vieux Ingrassia, whose work in marine biodiversity and underwater photography provided valuable insights. Also present were Thomas Capiten and Audrey Gautier-Capiten, both advocates for ocean conservation under Engaged for Ocean. Key topics included the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems, the devastating effects of plastic pollution, and the challenges posed by high-seas activities. A special focus was given to "Women and Oceans: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," highlighting the importance of gender equality and diverse perspectives in ocean conservation.
Reflecting on the roundtable, ISN Director Mel Curtis underscored the significance of the event and the urgency of collective action: "The message was clear: the call to protect our oceans has never been more urgent. Only through unwavering collaboration, relentless education, and inclusive governance can we transform awareness into action. As stewards of our blue planet, we must safeguard its beauty, resilience, and life-giving power for generations to come. With deep gratitude, ISN honours the deputies and the Ville de Nice for their steadfast commitment to this vital mission. May the UNOC3 conference ignite a global movement, driving the conservation and sustainable management of our ocean’s invaluable resources."
Victor Fernandez, Director of Pastoral Care & Safeguarding and Globeducate Regional Safeguarding Lead, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping a sustainable future: "At ISN, we take pride in the many engaged and charismatic women leaders who serve as inspiring role models for our students, the next generation. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world. We deeply believe this, just as we believe that the destiny of the world is tied to our oceans and the urgent need for sustainable governance. In a world that is changing rapidly, where too many leaders seek to silence women or roll back their rights, supporting women in their access to leadership is not just a choice: it is a necessity. Their unparalleled sense of justice and unique vision are essential in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. And as men, it is our responsibility to stand beside them, to amplify their voices, and to work together toward a better, more inclusive world."
Students also shared their personal reflections on the discussion. Louise, a Grade 8 student, expressed how the conversation deepened her understanding of marine conservation: "The roundtable was a very meaningful and interesting experience. I learned a lot about the important issues we are facing today and the solutions that are being applied to solve these problems. This event inspired me to adopt everyday habits that are important for our ocean. It also made me realize how vital our oceans are, and how we must take care of them. I truly appreciated this roundtable and hope to attend more events like this in the future."
For Grade 9 student Clara, the discussion expanded her awareness of ocean issues: "This event was important because it allowed me to present in front of amazing people, and it was a really incredible experience. I didn’t know much about the ocean, and by listening to the discussions about the problems it faces, I learned so much. It was a shaping experience for me, and I hope to do something similar again in the future."
The Ocean is Alive! Exhibition: Showcasing Scientific Innovation
A standout feature of the day was the opening of The Ocean is Alive! exhibition, which showcased cutting-edge French scientific research on marine ecosystems. Organized by La Maison de l’Environnement de Nice and presented by G9 Environmental and Social Studies (ESS) students, the exhibit demonstrated how research laboratories and organizations contribute to advancing ocean sustainability. Through immersive displays, visitors gained invaluable insights into the importance of regulating human activities at sea and preserving marine biodiversity.
Brando, a Grade 10 student, was particularly struck by the scale of plastic pollution in the ocean: "This event was important to me because I think it's essential for everyone to be aware of what is happening to our world environmentally. This relates to my studies on marine life and environmental science. The most surprising part was when they mentioned a plastic island growing as large as a continent—it's staggering and concerning. I learned many unexpected things, which inspired me to be more careful with pollution and the environment."
Exploring ISN’s Sustainability Projects
Following the exhibition, the delegation toured ISN’s sustainability projects, guided by students actively engaged in environmental initiatives. Highlights included:
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The Sustainable Art Showcase, featuring the Junk Kouture Award, which celebrates creative recycling in fashion.
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The Globeducate Art Competition 2024, where students captured marine themes through photography.
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ISN’s Space Center, home to the Hi!Ai Sustainable Cities project, focusing on ecofriendly urban design.
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The Marine Learning Hub, dedicated to marine conservation efforts and solar energy initiatives.
These initiatives underscored ISN’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Art as a Window to Marine Life
The event concluded with an interactive art workshop for Grade 9 Art and ESS students, titled Hidden Figures – Shared Space, Occupied Space: Exploring the Unknown Through Art. Led by environmental experts and artists Hervé Bonein and Jean Vincent Vieux Ingrassia, the workshop showcased breathtaking underwater photography and artwork. A special focus on jellyfish highlighted their often-overlooked role in marine ecosystems, deepening students' appreciation for ocean biodiversity.
Looking Ahead
Through a dynamic fusion of science, dialogue, and art, the day served as a powerful reminder of the critical need for ocean conservation, while inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates. By hosting such a significant event, ISN reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sustainability and global awareness.
As Melanie Laroche, Sustainability and Eco School Coordinator, aptly put it, "Empowering students to take action for the environment is at the heart of education. Through Eco Weeks, we are not just teaching about sustainability—we are inspiring a generation to protect our oceans, rethink human impact, and become true changemakers for the planet."
As we look to the future, at ISN we urge everyone to take meaningful action—whether by reducing plastic use, supporting ocean-friendly policies, or raising awareness about marine conservation. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to the larger mission of a healthier ocean and a more sustainable world. In the words of Laroche, the responsibility lies with us, and the time to act is now.
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