Nice Premium met with Estelle Bellanger, project manager on behalf of the association Méditerranée 2000, who explains the ins and outs of this operation, which will lead to many more in the region.
Nice Premium: Estelle, introduce us to the project www.mertoussolidaires.org ?
Estelle Bellanger: Méditerranée 2000 and Aquascience, two associations that are part of the sea network “environmental education,” have launched a regional awareness campaign, MER TOUS SOLIDAIRES, in partnership with the Regional Council Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency.
This action aims to be both fun and educational: the goal is to enable each of us, whether resident, tourist, manager, or sea user, to promote actions respectful of the Mediterranean coastline by sending a virtual message card to their network, through the website www.mertoussolidaires.org
NP: What does your collaborative website offer?
EB: The website offers a selection of thematic postcards (fauna/flora, pollution, regulations…) delivering messages and information in favor of environmental respect.
The internet user can also, thanks to the postcard workshop, create their card with their own photo, message, colors, and choose the stamp motif. Their card can then join the gallery of online cards and be selected by another user!
A counter of sent postcards updates with each new sending and allows one to know the number of messengers committed to the protection of the Mediterranean.
NP: Are other actions planned for the coastal area?
EB: Méditerranée 2000 also organizes a proximity campaign “inf’eau’mer”. This time, it’s about being present directly on the beaches through stands to raise awareness among the summer population. For more information on upcoming dates and locations: www.infeaumer.org
NP: What basic advice would you give to tourists and locals to better protect their sea?
EB: The best way to protect an environment is first to get to know it well. For example, Méditerranée 2000 and Aquascience aim to inform both young and adult audiences about the important role of marine species within the ecosystem. When a yachtsman becomes aware of the importance of Posidonia meadows in the Mediterranean, they will ensure not to drop anchor on the plant to avoid uprooting it…
NP: Lastly, what do you think are the main risks in the years to come?
EB: Currently, 5 million people live on the Provence Alpes-Côte-d’Azur and Corsica coastline. 8 million tourists discover our shores each summer. And these numbers will likely increase in the coming years… Each of us has a role to play, at our level, to preserve our living environment and the quality of our environment.
