On the occasion of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), held this year for the first time in the history of the city of Nice, a major exhibition entitled “The Whale” has opened its doors. Large numbers of visitors have already gathered to explore and uncover its many mysteries.
The UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference) is an international conference organised under the auspices of the United Nations. Its aim is to mobilise stakeholders to protect the oceans and ensure their sustainable use. This is the third UN Ocean Conference, following previous editions in New York and Lisbon. This unique event is partly hosted at the Palais des Expositions in Nice. Entitled The Whale, this XXL exhibition is open to the general public and invites visitors to discover the many mysteries of the oceans.
A Spectacular Immersion into the Marine World
The visitor journey begins with a spectacular immersion into the marine universe through a photographic exhibition by Laurent Ballesta, a trained biologist and internationally renowned photographer. He has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year title four times by the Natural History Museum in London and remains the only photographer to have won the competition’s highest distinction twice in the past 40 years.
The exhibition then continues through large spaces where visitors can immerse themselves in several different environments: first the oceanic world, then an island known as Cocos Island in Costa Rica. These spaces plunge the audience into the depths of the ocean, introducing them to rare species and fascinating ecosystems.
Beyond Observation: Understanding the Challenges
But the exhibition is not limited to contemplation. Each stand explores a specific theme: plastic pollution, marine biodiversity, and the challenges of maritime transport, among others. The stand entitled “At the End of Plastic” highlights the scale of ocean pollution, supported by figures and visual material.
Content is available in both French and English, ensuring broad accessibility for all visitors.
Conferences and Scientific Exchange
On the second floor, the experience continues with conference rooms and an auditorium, hosting talks and debates featuring researchers, authors, explorers and environmental advocates.
One example is a talk by Christian Clot, Swiss explorer and researcher, whose presentation focused on “The Keys to Human Adaptation”, with particular emphasis on adaptation in the world’s coldest regions, such as Antarctica.
Activities for Children and Families
The exhibition also places a strong emphasis on younger audiences. A dedicated children’s area allows kids to learn about ocean protection through interactive games such as “Marrex, the Explorer of the Seas”, specially designed to spark curiosity while raising awareness.
One of the highlights is a pedagogical board game developed by the association Les Petits Débrouillards. This popular education movement, dedicated to scientific and technical culture and active in France and many other countries, brought together 23 researchers to design a playful tool capable of making complex ocean-related topics accessible.
Themes include ocean currents, hidden deep-sea life, human and ocean mobility and migration, digital tools such as AI in research, and the fragility of the ocean — including the carbon pump. A fun and innovative way to learn, for both children and adults alike.
A Multi-Sector Approach to Ocean Awareness
Throughout the exhibition, visitors can explore stands hosted by organisations committed to environmental protection. These highlight issues related to the sustainability of marine resources and bring together key players such as Aquatic Blue Food, CMA CGM, and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).
These stakeholders emphasise the crucial role oceans play in feeding the world’s population, the need to further reduce the ecological impact of maritime transport, and the importance of protecting coral reefs. Visitors are thus introduced to concrete initiatives led by actors working towards a more sustainable future.
Immersive and Innovative Experiences
The ATOLL immersive workshops offer several participatory formats around different themes. One such experience is a podcast workshop, where visitors can sit with headphones and listen to marine stories interwoven with natural ocean sounds, creating an intimate and sensory atmosphere.
A virtual reality space allows visitors to dive into the abyss using an immersive headset, offering a striking 3D experience. These initiatives successfully combine technology, emotion and awareness-raising.
A Clear and Urgent Message
Beyond its visual richness and educational value, The Whale delivers a clear message: there is an urgent need to protect the oceans. By bringing together scientists, associations, researchers and citizens in a shared space, the exhibition highlights the importance of collective action.
It is an experience that is at once aesthetic, educational and deeply engaged, aiming to raise awareness and make ocean protection a global priority — well beyond these two weeks in Nice.
