When & where ?
- 9th of June 2025 – from 2pm - 3:15pm (Central European Daylight Saving Time - CEST)
- UNOC3 2025 – Nice, Port Lympia – Blue zone, Room 5
Locations of the event rooms can be seen on the UNOC Venue directory map.
The deep-sea ecosystems of French Polynesia: an area to explore and protect, a source of clean and sustainable energy
UNOC3 Conference Side Event – Blue Zone
Monday
9th June 2025 | 2 - 3pm | Room 5
The deep-sea ecosystems of French Polynesia: an area to explore and protect, a source of clean and sustainable energy
UNOC3 Conference Side Event – Blue Zone
Monday
9th June 2025 | 2 - 3pm | Room 5
-
Background on the Event
French Polynesia, with a maritime surface area of 4.8 million km2 – half the size of France's EEZ – has adopted a moratorium on deep-sea mining. This Pacific territory is developing a sustainable model to improve knowledge of the environmental, social, cultural and economic risks of mining in the Pacific, protect these deep-sea ecosystems and develop these resources sustainably. A model that can be replicated worldwide.
Organized by Tetiaroa Society and France, French Polynesia, Palau, New Caledonia, IRD, IFREMER, UPF, Te Mana Hiva, French Polynesia Maritime Cluster
Agenda : Key Issues
Opening: Deep sea
- Keynote speaker - Sylvia Earle
Polynesian Culture
- "The deep sea, cradle of gods and life in Polynesian culture” by Hinano Murphy - Tetiaroa Society, with the contribution of Wallis-et-Futuna
The current state of scientific knowledge of the deep seabed and future prospects
- What science can do to create good relations between the Ocean and human societies, by François Houllier - IFREMER
- The value of a multidisciplinary approach: collective scientific expertise, by Valérie Verdier - IRD
- Innovative Energy Solutions from Deep-Sea Waters, by Franck Lucas - UPF
Showcasing Private Initiatives for Deep-Sea Conservation and Sustainable Use in French Polynesia
- From Cooling to Exploration: SWAC Technology and the Honu Submersibles Initiative, by Richard Bailey -Tetiaroa Society
- SWAC and OTEC: Polynesian Innovations with Global Potential, by Stéphanie Mareva Failloux - French Polynesia Maritime Cluster
International Policy and Governance Challenges:
- Sustainable Governance of Deep-Sea Resources in the Pacific: Between Exploration, Cooperation, and Precaution – IFREMER, Palau, New Caledonia
- Conclusion by Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
Key recommendations for action / voluntary commitments:
Tetiaroa Society, along with France and French Polynesia, are fully committed to improving knowledge of the deep seas and the need to preserve them from irreversible damage. They are convinced that sustainable use of deep-sea water, for energy and marine permaculture, is possible and financially viable, and meets the challenges of adapting to climate change, energy and food resources This event evidences our desire to demonstrate that Polynesia is a growing center of excellence in marine science and an innovation hub for preserving and developing the ocean: coral reef preservation, knowledge and preservation of the deep sea, a large managed marine area and a sustainable fishing model, an ocean at the service of innovation and the potential of renewable marine energies.
Event location
Who can attend?
The event is open only to those with official accreditation for the UNOC 2025 Blue Zone, reserved for :
- Members of official State delegations
- United Nations agencies and international organizations
- NGOs and accredited partners
- Journalists with UN-approved media badges
Prior accreditation is compulsory and must be done via the official UNOC 2025 website.
On-site accreditation
For those collecting their badge on site:
- Location: Near Port Lympia (exact address to be confirmed)
- Opening hours: Every day from 7 am to 6 pm, from June 7, 2025.
- Please present an official ID and your UNOC registration confirmation.
Follow the event live or in replay
A live link and replay will be available for those unable to attend on site.
Access link: coming soon (TBC - stay tuned for updates)