France stands out for its indifference in protecting marine biodiversity. Despite being the world’s second largest maritime power after the United States, the country ranks 17th in regards to its ratio of marine protected areas (MPAs); unlike the United States, which protects 26% of its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), or the United Kingdom, which covers 39% of its waters (see the MPA Atlas), France protects less than 4% of its waters. These protected areas are mostly located in remote areas such as the Antartic Ocean.
In contrast to President Emmanuel Macron’s grandiose declarations that France protects “more than 30%” of its marine territory, the percentage of protection drops to almost non-existent levels in mainland French waters (i.e. not including its overseas territories): in the English Channel as well as in the Atlantic and North Sea, only 0.005% of French waters are fully protected.
Therefore, although marine protected areas (MPAs) are essential solutions for restoring oceanic biodiversity, marine habitats and the planet’s climate, it is clear that their current implementation is a failure: the vast majority of so-called “protected” marine areas are not really protected at all.
After obtaining France’s commitment to protect 20% of its EEZ in 2009, half of which covers strict “no-take” zones, BLOOM is re-entering the fight for MPAs following France’s failure to accomplish its mission.
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