An event at the French National Assembly took place on the 17th of October, during which the juridic tools to protect coral reefs were communicated to the audience.
Speaker Sebastien Mabile made some very important points:
- Encouraging MP’s to support local initiatives which favour coral reef protection (prevention of land pollution and littoral protection).
- Supporting marine protected areas (MPA) managers to better support their demands.
- How crucial it is to vote on the integration of the principle of non-regression in the French constitution -a considerable challenge faced by environmental law worldwide.
- The need for coastline urban planning to protect coral reefs from land pollution. In-land developments have a direct impact on reefs and therefore, terrestrial developments must account for their impacts on marine biodiversity.
A second event took place on November 6th at the French Senate. 7 senators were present for the event; all of whom were active in engaging in discussion about coral reefs. Every senator was forthcoming when sharing their experiences in coral reef conservation, and importantly the dangers of coastline development and mangrove logging.
