NATIONAL NODE -
FRANCE
Photo credit: Alex Vasey/Unsplash
Introducing ECOP France
France, being the country with the second largest exclusive economic zone in the world, has a vested interest in our Ocean and is, without surprise, home to a vibrant and diverse community of early career ocean professionals (ECOPs). ECOP France – part of the Global ECOP Programme endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development – aims to build an inclusive, cross-disciplinary, and intergenerational network of ECOPs based in mainland France and its overseas territories.
Our Vision
We envision an engaged, collaborative network that uplifts the voices and contributions of French ECOPs, embracing their geographical, disciplinary, and cultural diversity. By fostering connections between emerging professional and established actors across science, policy, and civil society, we aim to accelerate collective action for ocean sustainability. Our vision is rooted in ocean literacy, ocean conservation and inclusive marine governance – driven by the belief that preserving the ocean requires cooperation across generations, territories, and disciplines. We are particularly engaged in areas such as marine biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, climate-ocean interactions, pollution, ocean law, and protected areas.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and empower ECOPs through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and professional connections. We create opportunities for learning and collaboration by promoting inclusive dialogue, mentorship, and engagement across science, policy, civil society, and the arts. We foster open communication where every voice matters, encouraging joint initiatives in areas such as marine science, ocean advocacy, blue economy, and spatial analysis. We also recognize the role of local knowledge, artistic expression, and citizen engagement in ocean action.
Our Priority Areas
- Capacity building and training in diverse formats (workshops, seminars, exchanges)
- Advocacy for stronger youth inclusion in ocean decision-making spaces
- Science communication and awareness raising
- Mentorship, pairing ECOPs with experienced professionals
- Networking, including sharing job and project opportunities
- Art-based engagement, using creative tools for ocean education and outreach
Our Coordination Team
Mathieu Poupon
Mathieu is a researcher in ocean biogeochemistry, climate science, and environmental policy. He is currently pursuing a PhD at Princeton University, where he investigates the ocean carbon cycle and the governance of ocean-based climate intervention technologies. His work bridges the natural sciences and public policy to inform both scientific understanding and decision-making. Beyond research, Mathieu is committed to giving the ocean a voice through public talks, short films, and storytelling that connect people to the ocean and its role in the future of our planet.
Samira Ben Ali
Originally from the island of Mayotte, Samira is a dedicated climate and ocean justice advocate committed to amplifying the voices of the most vulnerable communities. With a solid academic background in European and International Environmental Law and in Political Science, she brings both expertise and passion to her advocacy. She works, on one hand, as a Campaigner for the World’s Youth for Climate Justice and, on the other hand, as an Ocean Project Assistant for Youth and Environment Europe. Additionally, Samira serves as the EESC Youth Delegate to COP (2025&2026) as well as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador.
Lolita Couchene
Lolita is a passionate climate justice and ocean advocate dedicated to advancing intergenerational and environmental justice. With an academic background in Environmental Law, Future Generations rights and International Relations, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to tackling ocean and climate challenges, combining legal, political and advocacy perspectives. For two years, she has been serving as a Campaigner for World’s Youth for Climate Justice, where she contributed to amplifying youth voices at events like COP28. She also had experience at the United Nations Environment Programme in New York, focusing on environmental governance and intergovernmental negotiations. Lolita is currently Advocacy Officer at Nausicaá – National Sea Center in Paris.
Luz Verónica Delvasto Algarín
Luz is currently the Outreach & Communication Assistant and the Empowering Women in Hydrography Project Assistant at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). She is passionate about using scientific communications to bring important messages from the ocean community to the general public. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Oceanography and a master’s degree in Ocean Science, Conservation & Innovation. Her interests include marine conservation, the blue economy, and environmental research. Luz served in the Colombian Navy for two years and has experience in oceanographic research, ocean data management, scientific outreach, and logistics. Originally from Colombia, she now lives in Nice, France.
Margot Webster
Margot is marine biologist, conservationist and scuba-diving instructor. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Ocean Science, Conservation & Innovation. Margot is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity through science-based and community-led resource management. She has experience conducting scientific research and monitoring to inform decision-making in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Tanzania and Madagascar, as well as leading capacity building activities to empower coastal communities and local stakeholders to take an active role in sustainable fisheries management.
Alexander Kebbon
Currently studying a master’s degree in Law and Economics of the Sea/Ocean Governance, and working as an MPA program coordinator at IndyACT, Alexander is an enthusiastic and curious individual. Having grown up on all three sides of the Mediterranean (North, East and South), his current interest lies in the development of cooperation on marine conservation issues across this basin, bridging the gap between Europe and the South/East Mediterranean.
How to get in touch with us?
or contact us at france@ecopdecade.org
Our Task Teams
- Capacity Building
- Communication
- Opportunities
- Plaidoyer
Want to get involved?
Fill the form in the button below to join us!