International Youth Forum on Ocean Conservation

In her thesis, Katherine Robitaille focused on climate justice in the organisation of international climate cooperation projects.

As a researcher, project manager, teacher and an active participant in a wide range of academic and practical fields, she offers a vital perspective on issues of justice, equity, and international solidarity.

Fanta Camara helps to mobilise youth on environmental issues and ocean conservation through her community involvement, her advocacy for climate justice, and her leadership as a woman.

She is also involved in regional youth and climate initiatives in West Africa. Through her workshop, she will undoubtedly inspire young participants from a range of countries.

* Climate Linguere Club is the first network of women committed to climate action in Senegal.

 A geography teacher at the Îles-de-la-Madeleine campus of the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and coordinator of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine regional roundtable for integrated management of the St Lawrence, Ariane Jobin has a keen understanding of coastal dynamics and integrated management.

She will provide essential insights for young people involved in marine conservation.

Biography to follow

A leading figure in marine conservation in the Mediterranean, Ahmed Ghedira is pursuing a remarkable career. Starting out as a diving enthusiast, he has become a key player in the protection of marine ecosystems, dedicating himself to ecological restoration, the co-management of marine protected areas and community engagement.

The extent of his commitment is reflected by his many notable roles, including: member of the scientific committee of the World Underwater Federation Africa (CMAS Africa); chair of the federal committee for underwater photography with the Tunisian Federation of Underwater Activities and Aquatic Lifesaving; and elected in 2018 as deputy mayor responsible for the environment and sustainable development in Monastir, Tunisia.

This commitment to biodiversity and the protection of the marine environment has earned him international recognition, including the title of ‘Hero of the Mediterranean’, which honours the exemplary nature of his work.

Dieynaba Seck is a geographer specialising in spatial planning and geographic information systems (GIS).

She has recognised expertise in natural resource management and spatial planning. She has coordinated several national and regional initiatives focused on spatial planning and the sustainable management of marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems, notably in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Mauritania, and Benin.

Her workshop will introduce young people to participatory tools for assessing climate vulnerability, identifying sensitive areas, and developing climate change adaptation strategies, as well as small-scale action plans tailored to local circumstances.

This is a unique opportunity to boost young people’s commitment to climate resilience and ocean conservation!

Aissatou Sene is a geographer specialising in coastal governance. She works on issues relating to the vulnerability of coastal areas, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management. Her expertise draws on her solid grasp of data collection, processing and analysis tools, as well as her practical field experience in contexts where coastal communities are directly exposed to climate-related risks.

During the workshop, participants will learn how mapping tools can be used as powerful tools for action: understanding areas at risk, identifying priority issues, visualising potential impacts, and jointly developing solutions tailored to local circumstances.

Drawing on her experience, her meticulous approach, and her sensitivity to human concerns, Aissatou Sene will offer a vital perspective on how science, public engagement, and spatial planning can work together to protect both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Eddy Nnanga has dedicated his career to protecting marine biodiversity in Cameroon, having spent a decade working with the African Marine Conservation Organisation (AMCO).

He has led strategic MPA and wetland programs, including key projects in the Lake Ossa Wildlife Reserve and the Manyange Na Elombo Campo Marine Park. This in-depth field expertise led him to co-found the Aquatic Environmental Management Association (AQUAMEN), where he is now implementing an innovative systems-based approach to bring about sustainable transformation in the management and governance of marine and coastal resources in Cameroon.

An expert in conservation engineering, Eddy Nnanga is known for his strategic vision of reconciling marine biodiversity conservation with the imperatives of local development. His cross-disciplinary expertise encompasses the rigorous analysis of governance models, the evaluation of MPA management effectiveness, and the design of innovative strategic plans. By placing communities at the heart of solutions, he transforms environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities through the blue economy, thereby demonstrating that safeguarding our oceans is the driving force behind inseparable socio-cultural and economic progress.

Suzan Gallon is an international expert in marine conservation, having worked in the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and France.

Her career has been shaped by her commitment to marine protected areas, to which she now devotes most of her work.

At MedPAN, she plays a key role in developing, coordinating, and disseminating the scientific knowledge required for the effective management of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean.

Suzan Gallon’s participation in the Forum will enable the hundred or so young people in attendance to gain a better understanding of marine protected areas, their ecological importance and the related governance challenges. Her experience, scientific leadership, and global vision of marine conservation make her an exceptional mentor for the next generation of global leaders.

Raphaëlle Dancette’s academic career has been rich and varied, shaped by a deep curiosity about the relationships between humans, all living things,and the marine environment.

Having studied a wide range of socio-ecosystems, such as the hydrothermal vents of the Pacific and the fishing communities of Cape Verde, she now devotes most of her work to marine conservation in Quebec and Canada.

Her expertise covers governance, the vulnerability of coastal communities, land use, and adaptation to global change. Through her research and professional experience, she has developed a range of tools to bridge the gap between science, social issues and field realities.

Born in Argentina, raised in Mexico, and now living in Gaspésie and Montreal, Juan Sebastian Larobina has led a life that is as rich as it is inspiring.

He draws on his multiple roots to create deeply human music that bridges cultures. The result is a unique musical style, often described as ‘Latino-Gaspésien’, where Latin American rhythms, Quebec traditions, and a strong contemporary sensibility come together.

A socially conscious artist who brings people together, he builds bridges between cultures, generations, and regions. His music explores both everyday life and the experience of being uprooted, with a sincerity that resonates with an audience as diverse as his influences. His approach reminds us that cultural richness stems from the interplay of identities, and that creativity is often a journey—both personal and collective.

Through his creative approach, youth will develop a strong, authentic, and compelling voice to champion ocean conservation. His workshop will combine slam poetry, advocacy, and storytelling.

Ornella Tchanqué, a PhD researcher in geography, is interested in the interactions between scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge, particularly in coastal and marine contexts. Her work explores how traditional knowledge, often derived from long-standing community practices, can enrich and complement modern scientific approaches to environmental management. Her perspective is deeply rooted in interculturalism, the transmission of knowledge, and the recognition of local practices as essential drivers of sustainability.

During the Forum, Ornella Tchanqué will facilitate a workshop on governance and ancestral knowledge, inviting young people to reflect on how traditions, science and public policy complement one another. Her sensitive, inclusive, and rigorous approach will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the richness of Indigenous knowledge and its role in protecting ocean resources.

Working within the Directorate of Community Marine Protected Areas (DAMCP) of Senegal’s Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition, Bafodé Cissé plays a central role in the protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Among other things, he works on planning biodiversity conservation initiatives, ecological monitoring, and the management of protected areas, as well as participatory governance with local communities and the development of projects aimed at environmental conservation and enhancement.

Biography to follow