In the spotlight: preserving the ocean…

In the spotlight preserving the ocean…

Brest: the world at the bedside of sick oceans » : this is the great title of Ouest France. “ A world first, the One Ocean Summit, the Ocean Summit, is being held in Brest until Friday. Dedicated to the protection of the oceans, it aims to give rise to commitments signed by 35 countries. »

The ocean could almost pass for a newcomer to the agenda of major international conferences on the environment, and now it is making a remarkable breakthrough in 2022, point The world. This year, it will be on the agenda of at least six major events. Reflecting both growing geostrategic issues, awareness of the upheavals underway under the influence of climate change and the desires that its resources arouse. The first of these highlights therefore takes place in Brest, starting this Wednesday. Twenty heads of state or government are expected to attend this One Ocean Summit, wanted by Emmanuel Macron in the continuity of the four One Planet Summit climate meetings, organized by France since 2017. »

A coveted space…

The stakes are high, stresses Release : “ this summit hopes to give a boost to a future treaty intended to protect and manage the biodiversity of maritime areas located beyond national jurisdictions. The high seas cover almost half of the surface of the planet and its resources, still largely unknown but potentially colossal, are the subject of growing desire. »

Indeed, the high seas are coveted “ for its fish and therefore by the fishing fleets, of course. But now also for its genetic resources. Certain proteins or genes of organisms from deep waters and the high seas represent enormous potential for many sectors: medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, nutrition, cosmetics, etc. »

A rich space…

The sea is an ocean of promises exclaims The Parisian. Example : ” this marine worm, Arenicola marina, with extraordinary virtues, capable of living for 6 hours at low tide without breathing. Frank Zal, a former researcher at the CNRS, discovered that the blood of this animal had incredible virtues which make it possible to improve human transplants and which would also have significant healing capacities.

Another example, point out The Parisian : certain algae which have multiple medical applications, antiviral, anticancer, anti-aging, anti-UV… »

This summit therefore aims, points out the newspaper, to preserve the oceans by doing ” advance sensitive issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing or the management of the deep seabed. »

A threatened space…

However, falls Le Figarodespite this summit, and the very many other international meetings planned at the bedside of the ocean, civil society fears for the richness of oceanographic life and underwater resources. Several NGOs will organize a demonstration on Friday in Brest. They concocted posters featuring the parody film Don’t Look Up: Cosmic Denial, where the President of the United States overlooks the arrival of a meteorite that will destroy the Earth. And lend the same message to Emmanuel Macron: Don’t Look Down (do not look down), towards the ocean. »

Presidential campaign: Jadot… + Taubira?

Also on the front page, this long interview with Release of the environmental candidate, Yannick Jadot… “ Two months before the first round, the EE-LV presidential candidate defends his ‘clear’ political line and calls for a ‘civilizational debate’ on environmental issues. ” Our project, he said, provides strong and credible responses to the major challenges of global warming, the collapse of biodiversity, health and concrete solutions to the difficulties of French people in their daily lives. That is to say purchasing power, housing, travel, food and employment. Voters will now be able to compare projects: we bring solutions when others are looking for scapegoats. »

Note, tip Releasethan “ relatives of Yannick Jadot and Christiane Taubira met secretly on Sunday to discuss a possible presidential alliance. The Greens reiterated their refusal to step down, calling on the popular Primary winner to join them. (…) We will see more clearly in the coming days. »

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