The French overseas territories will be prominently featured during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, taking place in Nice this June. They will be showcased within the “France 3 Oceans” Pavilion. This major conference will include ten action panels for the ocean, plenary sessions, and a multitude of special events. Rooted in the three major ocean basins — the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic — at the heart of the French Archipelago, the 13 overseas territories are asserting themselves as key players in ocean governance and ecological transition, positioning France at the forefront of negotiations for an ambitious agreement to safeguard our oceans’ future. These territories help make France the world’s second-largest maritime power.
This global event will be a unique moment of sharing and strategic exchange on maritime issues worldwide. France, as guardian of three oceans, relies on its overseas territories as climate sentinels, biodiversity laboratories, and hubs for blue innovation. On this occasion, France will establish a thematic pavilion in the public zone — the “France 3 Oceans” Pavilion — open from June 2 to 13, from 10 AM to 7 PM, organized by the Ministry for Overseas Territories (General Directorate for Overseas) at the request of the UNOC-3 Secretariat General.
The pavilion, centered around the three oceans where France’s overseas territories are located, will be structured as follows:
- Pacific Ocean: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and Clipperton Island;
- Indian and Southern Oceans: Mayotte, Réunion Island, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF);
- Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
- A national hall, serving as a meeting and conference space for all topics related to the ocean and the sea.
In Nice, France will present a pavilion that reflects the full potential of its overseas territories — strategic and central regions for global challenges. Representing 80% of France’s biodiversity, these territories are at the heart of key maritime issues:
- Protection of the marine environment and sustainable fisheries management;
- Preservation of blue carbon sinks (seagrass beds, mangroves, underwater forests, etc.);
- Blue innovation;
- Combating sargassum invasions in the Caribbean;
- Preservation of major coral reefs in Mayotte and New Caledonia.
These topics will be explored through numerous sessions and activities over the 10-day event.
This conference will strengthen the visibility and international representation of the overseas territories. It will be an opportunity to highlight the significant maritime challenges they face in the future, as well as showcase their globally unique marine resources. Starting June 8, on World Oceans Day, international partners — including the highest state authorities — will be present in Nice.
Finally, France also holds presence in five oceans, with the Antarctic through the TAAF and at the gateway to the Arctic via Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
On this occasion, Outremers 360 will cover all debates throughout the two weeks and will host numerous roundtables with private and public partners (companies, NGOs, universities, foundations, etc.).
