Overview of the FFEM's contribution
The ocean is the largest living space on the planet, absorbing almost a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions from human activities and housing unique ecosystems such as seamounts that are essential to the balance of food webs in the ocean. Today, the oceans face unprecedented pressures, and the cumulative effects of climate change and human pressure could have major consequences both in terms of biodiversity and food security (evolution of deep-sea fishing techniques, exploration and exploitation of the mineral resources on the seabed). The French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) contributes to the preservation of coastal and marine areas and their adaptation to climate change. It contributes in particular to the preservation of the high seas by financing projects that seek to improve scientific knowledge of these essential ecosystems and to build shared governance in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By contributing to the project "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Seamounts and Hydrothermal Vents Ecosystems in the South West Indian Ocean in Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions" (FFEM-SWIO), the FFEM mobilizes engagement by supporting the process of defining a binding regulatory instrument for the High Seas in areas like the South West Indian Ocean, mirroring that which is being developed at a global level (United Nations) and which will have to be implemented in the future at regional and local levels.