French Embassy seeks ‘Blue Nations’ projects for UN meet in Nice

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel —Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the third UN Conference on the Oceans (Unoc) in Nice, France, in 2025, the French Embassy in Manila launched its “Blue Nations” initiative in search of innovative projects that would mobilize young people in their actions for the oceans.

Ambassador Marie Fontanel said during the initiative’s launch on Wednesday that the Embassy has readied a total budget of 600,000 euros (P38 million) for the selected projects, which could be presented in Nice next year if found “successful and innovative.”

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The embassy said the two-year grant would support projects related to the protection of oceans, including biodiversity, marine conservation, blue economy, climate resilience, plastic pollution and waste reduction, and sustainable tourism or fisheries.

A maximum of 80,000 euros (P5 million) will be given to each project to be conducted in 2024 and 2025 by any type of civil society organization. Projects spearheaded by student associations could receive up to 10,000 euros (P635,000).

The embassy requires proof of registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or the Department of Social Welfare and Development for those interested in joining the program.

“In case of difficulty in providing proof of registration, student associations are encouraged to partner with NGO (nongovernmental organizations) and local organizations,” the embassy said.

The French embassy is accepting project proposals until July 5. Interested participants may visit ph.ambafrance.org/Call-for-Proposals-Youth-and-Oceans for more information.

According to Fontanel, the Blue Nations initiative would lead up to the third Unoc to be hosted by France next year. It aims to complete ongoing multilateral processes, including the entry into force of the UN agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, also referred to as the High Seas Treaty.

The French envoy said 88 states, including France and the Philippines, have signed the treaty but 60 ratifications are needed for it to come into force.

The Nice conference, she said, would also finalize the treaty on plastic pollution and the entry into force of the treaty on illegal fishing.