About us
The Origins of Génération Mer or Sea Generation
A collective born out of a decision by the Interministerial Council for the Sea (CIMer) in 2017, spearheaded by the Delegation for the Sea and the Coast, and officially launched on May 25, 2018, at the Hôtel Roquelaure, where the Ministry of Ecology is headquartered. The day was devoted to presenting inspiring initiatives and projects led by civil society actors aimed at various audiences, as well as to workshops designed to collaboratively develop a strategic vision for Génération Mer.
Presentation of Génération Mer by Anne-France Didier, founder of the collective –> You can watch the video by turning on automatic captions in the language of your choice.
About Us
A remarkable community due to the diversity of its members: scientists, athletes and adventurers, artists, and representatives of oceanographic institutes, foundations, federations, and associations.
The community’s scope of action, which rests on solid foundations, is vast.
In addition to a shared commitment to the ocean and its coastlines, the values and objectives shared by all members of the community are enshrined in a charter, drafted and adopted in early 2019.
The Generation Mer Chart
We, the members of the Génération Mer community,
- Whereas the ocean, which covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, is a common good of humanity that is essential to the balance of our planet;
- Aware of the absolute necessity of protecting this natural environment, whose stability and sustainability are threatened by global warming and human-induced pressures;
- Whereas present generations have a duty to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the quality and use of this common good;
- Considering that every French citizen is responsible for their own impact and has a stake, both individually and collectively, in the preservation of the ocean, its resources, and its biodiversity;
- Determined to assume our individual and collective responsibilities to address the challenges facing our maritime space;
And to these ends, resolved to
- To defend the integrity of the ocean for the well-being of humankind and the preservation of its natural environment for present and future generations;
- To promote our maritime space with a view to sustainable development in order to protect its biodiversity and the marine and coastal resources that comprise it;
- Facilitate a collaborative program with all our fellow citizens to help foster a collective consciousness;
- Build a bridge between science and society to share our knowledge, inform citizens about the state of the ocean, and mobilize them to take action;
- Promote science communication and citizen science networks to make scientific knowledge accessible to as many people as possible;
- Highlight all innovative initiatives that offer sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the ocean regarding the preservation of its biodiversity and natural resources;
- Support local and regional initiatives, efforts, and activities aimed at raising public awareness by providing citizens with direct access to the sea and the coastline, and at fostering a sense of responsibility among users;
- Listen to marine and coastal communities to take their expectations into account and monitor the evolution of issues specific to certain regions;
- Focus our efforts on raising awareness among all citizens about the fragility of the ocean, the value of its resources and biodiversity, and, in particular, nature-based solutions for adapting to climate change;
- Tailor awareness-raising efforts to the specific audience;
- Prioritize an intergenerational approach and, in particular, include the younger generation and school-age audiences in these awareness-raising and empowerment efforts;
We have decided to join forces to achieve these goals.
- Accordingly, the Génération Mer Charter of Values and Objectives establishes a community of public and private stakeholders—both local and national—who are implementing initiatives aimed at protecting France’s maritime areas, both on the mainland and in its overseas territories, and at raising public awareness of the challenges facing the ocean.
- By signing this Charter, these stakeholders commit to upholding the values and principles of action it defines.
- They also commit to meeting annually at flagship events that highlight the community’s resources
A mission: to protect the coastlines and the ocean
The members of the Génération Mer community share a common commitment! They share their knowledge and apply their expertise to ensure the preservation of the ocean and coastlines for future generations.
As such, Génération Mer plays a dual role in raising awareness and mobilizing citizens.
First and foremost, this involves creating a collective awareness by sharing information and knowledge about the ocean and the challenges ahead, particularly among those who use the sea and younger generations.
Génération Mer thus aims to shape a new maritime culture that goes hand in hand with citizens’ direct involvement in initiatives organized or supported by members of our community.
A Flexible and Open Approach
Since its founding, Génération Mer has invited its members to meet regularly to shape the community’s future.
These active members make up the Génération Mer Steering Committee, which sets the organization’s overall direction and determines its participation in national projects and events.