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A NETWORK INITIATED IN 2013
RespectOcean is a network initiated in 2013 by Raphaëla le Gouvello and then attached to her association Odyssée du Vent.
Between 2013 and 2016, with its own funding, the support of the Brittany Region and the Engie Foundation, Raphaëla le Gouvello mobilized nearly 10 members and partners, hosted around ten regional and international meetings thus highlighting the actions of the organizations of the network, and bringing out innovative solutions for the blue economy.
After administrative and financial support by two other structures between 2016 and 2018, Raphaëla le Gouvello created with some historical members of the network, the RespectOcean association in September 2018, in order to professionalize and develop the existing network and make it a recognized association. of economic actors committed to protecting the oceans.
Today (2022), the association has more than 85 companies and organizations , has established links and developed partnerships with many players in the ecosystem and launched two major actions: the Ocean pitch challenge competition and the "Biodiversity" program. marine and economy"
THE BLUE ECONOMY
In Europe, as in France and around the world, the maritime “blue” economy, that is to say all economic activities linked to oceans, seas and coastal zones, continues to grow, according to the EU's first annual report on the blue economy . The actors of this “blue effervescence” have a triple challenge called “transition”: (i) fulfill their social role (ii) without altering the socio-environmental conditions which contribute to this social objective (iii) all within an economic model viable.
Today and even more tomorrow, the sea and the oceans are and will be the scene of new activities and will see the growth of older ones (e.g. aquaculture). As the world's population grows, a large proportion of humanity will live in coastal areas. In the current period of economic and ecological crisis, many authorities including the European Union are recommending going to sea and developing maritime economic activities.
The blue economy is underway all over the world. However, in this promising “blue effervescence”, on an economic level, we should not lose sight of the issues of preserving the sea and the coastline. It is becoming imperative to protect, preserve and restore the health of the oceans.
THE NEED TO HAVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY...
Some companies are already demonstrating that it is economically viable to take up this challenge: from the eco-design of a product to the overall strategy, developing a more sustainable economic activity in favor of the oceans is not a constraint but can prove to be a driver of competitiveness and economic performance. New cutting-edge sectors are emerging , such as renewable marine energies, innovative health and cosmetic products, or even dedicated to the protection and preservation of marine and coastal species in addition to other maritime economic activities. ancient: fishing, aquaculture, processing of marine bio-resources, near-coastal mining, maritime transport, shipbuilding, pleasure craft, tourism, services, research, training, etc.
...AND MORE GLOBALLY, SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN FAVOR OF THE OCEANS Beyond
the blue economy, other actors, particularly economic ones, are increasingly thinking about the negative impacts that their activities generate on populations, ecosystems, oceans, etc.
Many sectors of the economy generate negative impacts for the oceans, particularly in relation to the volumes of waste generated.
It is therefore appropriate that all economic actors be mobilized for overall sustainable economic development.
Our association works to unite and represent these actors who are committed to this more sustainable economic development, linked to the protection of oceans and coastlines.
RESPECTOCEAN
In this context, the main objective of the RespectOcean network is to contribute to “Putting activities within a logic of sustainable development, in favor of the protection of the ocean. »
RespectOcean is based on the creation of a network of maritime companies and organizations (associations, professional organizations, etc.), united around the same commitment and the same responsibility towards the sea and all its actors.
The RespectOcean network is based on the following actions:
- The identification and promotion of good practices and innovations of the members of the association,
- The co-drafting, revision and acceptance of a common charter of commitment of all its members,
- Support for its members in their journey towards sustainable development, through networking, exchange, pedagogy, pooling of resources,
- This website to make the network a reality, bring it to life and animate it, make it known, and open it up to other stakeholders in the maritime world : public research organizations, state services, associations, personalities, etc.
- Consultative actions, meetings, workshops, around the issues, and towards others actors.
- Conference interventions, communication actions, relaying the approach undertaken by RespectOcean and the concrete actions of members.
- A multi-actor dialogue by establishing partnerships with other actors involved in sustainable development actions.
- A representation of its members
It is by setting an example, starting from concrete actions, that the network's values ??will have an impact. Pragmatism guides our actions.
We link our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and more particularly SDG 14 : “Conserve and sustainably exploit the oceans, seas and marine resources for the purposes of sustainable development”.
The RespectOcean network brings together professional actors involved in integrated management projects and gives them the means to gain credibility and legitimacy with other local, regional, national and international actors.
RespectOcean (association under the 1901 law) is managed by a Board of Directors of at least three members and a maximum of seven in accordance with its statutes. Members are elected by the General Assembly for a renewable period of one year.
The purpose of the Board of Directors is to implement the decisions of the General Assembly, to organize and lead the life of the Association within the framework set by the statutes.
The Board of Directors meets at least once every six months. Decisions are made by majority vote.
The Board of Directors delegates day-to-day management to a General Delegate.
The association's annual budget is financed by annual contributions from its members, donations and contributions from partners and patrons.