After the forest, the oceans... And this month we've chosen an association that's doing a crazy job, on the legal front in particular, to preserve the Blue of our planet... We particularly like their combative AND hopeful DNA!
BLOOM and its missions
BLOOM is a non-profit association under the French law of 1901, founded in 2005 by Claire Nouvian. Entirely devoted to the ocean and those who live off it, BLOOM's mission is to work for the common good, preserving biodiversity, marine habitats and the climate by inventing a sustainable and respectful link between humans and the sea.
BLOOM has made the strategic choice of keeping its size small and focusing its energy and expertise on three key areas:
- Preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity through the implementation of practices that limit impacts on non-target species and habitats;
- Job creation through the development of the artisanal fishing sector;
- Put an end to a financial disaster by campaigning for a better distribution of French and European public subsidies, currently captured by the industrial fishing lobby.
Our goals are to protect the ocean and marine species while maximizing sustainable employment in fishing and aquaculture:
First and foremost, we need to care for, restore and protect.
At the same time, we must fight, resist, prevent and oppose.
Finally, we need to transform, invent and build.
And the priorities are clear:
- Putting an end to destructive fishing methods
- Halting the expansion of fishing pressure worldwide
- Protecting the marine environment and preserving its resilience
- Promote small-scale fishing using environmentally-friendly methods that generate significant employment.
And in action?
- The development of independent scientific research to be able to study all subjects, even the most sensitive. This is absolutely essential for a great fishing nation like France, whose state-funded research institutes can sometimes censor themselves. We have therefore chosen to set up real research programs, like a research institute, in order to give our actions and proposals full legitimacy. Wherever possible, we publish our analyses in international scientific journals, and our work is carried out in collaboration with researchers from all over the world.
- Education, to enable as many people as possible to make responsible choices. We promote awareness, education and scientific mediation. We pass on our knowledge through participation in conferences, courses, exhibitions, workshops, editorial contributions and trade fairs and festivals, so as to give different audiences the opportunity to make responsible choices.
- Political intervention, to influence the practices and pressures that have produced the inefficient management model we see today. We are involved in the legislative arena through citizen advocacy and participation in public consultations and institutional processes. We are fighting to get political decision-makers and private players to protect the ocean. We do this by supporting elected representatives, assessing public and private practices, mobilizing citizens and taking legal action.
On the occasion of the association's 10th anniversary, a beautiful booklet has been written to show the extent of BLOOM's actions, awareness-raising and battles.
Thank you to them, because we agree, it's TOO important.
And for a sneak preview, click here.
I invite you to have a look at the page listing the various awards received by the association and by Claire herself, it's impressive! This way 😉
So if you'd like to support and encourage them in their actions, please click here. Thank you!
