Oceans as Climate Regulators

The ocean, supported by its exceptional biodiversity, is the primary climate regulator of our planetary ecosystem, holding numerous solutions currently under study or yet to be discovered. However, these solutions, which depend on the healthy functioning of marine ecosystems, are threatened by human activities such as pollution, rising temperatures, overexploitation, and eutrophication. According to the latest IPCC Report, their preservation and restoration are key to combating climate change.

Through these awards, both foundations seek to identify promising solutions for ocean preservation and the development of environmentally friendly industrial or technological solutions inspired by the ingenuity of marine biodiversity. The goal is to demonstrate that ocean ecosystems are not only essential for our planet's balance but also our best allies in the fight against climate change.

Under the theme of “Ocean: innovate to preserve." The second edition of the International Climate and Biodiversity Trophies ceremony honored 4 doctoral students and researchers dedicated to innovative environmental solutions:

• 1st Prize of a €25,000 value: Aurélie AQUA (Doctoral student at CRIOBE, Moorea) for her pioneering research on using endemic sea urchins to control algae threatening coral reefs.
• 2nd Prize of a €15,000 value: William ZOZAYA (Doctoral student at CRIOBE, Moorea) for his vital work identifying "super-corals" resistant to climate warming, crucial for reef restoration efforts.
• 3rd Prize of a €10,000 value: Mathieu FOULQUIÉ (Doctoral student at the University of Toulon) for his essential research on the Mediterranean noble pen shell, a critically endangered species, and its resistance mechanisms.
• Special Prize of a €5,000 value: Mya RENAUD (Doctoral student, ABIES) for her impactful work supporting communities of women shell collectors in Senegal in their quest for sustainable resource management.

Behind the Scenes: People Who Make it Happen

The selection of these projects was made possible by an exceptional jury. We extend our sincere thanks to all jury members, including Alexandra Lobko from the French National Museum of Natural History, Alain Renaudin co founder of the Biomim'expo, and other distinguished experts and institutional partners.

As Isabelle Cornu, General Delegate of the FORVIA Foundation, emphasized, "These awards are a powerful testament to the ingenuity of young researchers. It's a privilege to witness and support their dedication to climate and biodiversity. Our partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation allows us to amplify their impact and reinforce our belief that collaboration is key to addressing environmental challenges."

“As France hosts the third UN World Oceans Summit in Nice (UNOC3), my foundation and I are more committed than ever to finding solutions. The talented work presented to us by doctoral students at these Awards proves that there is hope, and that the incredible work carried out over the past 20 years is not in vain!” said Maud Fontenoy

See you next year for another edition. Submissions of projects will be starting from July 2025 here .

You can find out more about 2024 laureates here.