Seas and Ocean Studies at Sciences Po Undergraduate College

Capstone project: Oceans of trash and dunes of waste: how can we raise awareness about the problem of litter and marine debris in France?

The waste we produce in excessive quantities, which often ends up in the environment, has devastating effects. It poisons nature, poses a threat to our health, and costs us dearly. Individually, we will not be able to solve this problem: we must act together, and we must therefore raise awareness and inform as many people as possible. However, through my experiences in the Civic Learning programme, I have identified significant obstacles to raising awareness. That is why I decided to explore how to better educate citizens about the issue of litter, its impact on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and solutions to tackle it.  

A word of advice for future students applying for the Seas and Ocean Certification?

Find an angle that speaks to you for the Civic Learning Programme and the Capstone. You will be more successful if you enjoy what you are doing. Good luck!

Capstone project: Ocean governance, protection, and public policy in France: an inadequate management in light of the urgency of the situation.

My Capstone explores the current governance of oceans in France and seeks concrete solutions to limit the country's impact on the marine ecosystem. My analysis highlights the lack of coordination between science and politics, as well as the lack of consideration for the marine environment.

Environmental protection, particularly of the oceans, has always been an important issue for me. My Capstone project was therefore a way for me to develop my commitment into concrete, thoughtful, and well-researched ideas. After completing my master's degree, I would like to join a non-governmental organization or take up a position dedicated to environmental protection within the government. With this in mind, I found it very interesting to develop these ideas. 

A word of advice for future students applying for the Seas and Ocean Certification?

I recommend that you take an interest in current events related to ocean protection, which has been a hot topic in recent years, and find a specific research angle for your Capstone! 

Capstone project: Promoting and preserving French marine resources: civil society as a transitional solution.

The most striking lesson I learned during my two years studying for the Seas and Ocean Certificate is a contrast: the one between the inappropriate and abusive use of marine resources today and the innovative and skillful strategy France is aiming for by 2030. This Capstone discusses the transition from one state to another, suggesting that the disruptions currently considered are too abrupt, and presents civil society — mainly associations and mission-driven companies — as necessary transitional actors that are effectively positioned to support the State, accompany private actors, and stimulate innovation.

A word of advice for future students applying for the Seas and Ocean Certification?

Unlike other highly topical subjects, the field of seas, ocean, and marine resources receives limited attention. Identifying these gray areas thanks to the first-year internship and civic field experience allows you to explore this paradox and increases the importance of contributions made through the Capstone, covering urgent and insufficiently studied areas.

Capstone project: Protection of Marine Ecosystems - Towards Strengthening French Marine Protected Areas for Better Protection of Biodiversity and Human Well-Being.

Throughout my civic career, one of my main observations has been the widespread ignorance and disconnect from the marine environment. My approach has therefore been to demonstrate both the profound dependence of human societies on the ocean and the numerous pressures that our activities place on marine ecosystems, threatening their—and ultimately our—ability to thrive sustainably. 
Based on this observation, I decided to focus on French marine protected areas (MPAs)—a key tool for ecosystem restoration—and their current shortcomings, ultimately highlighting several areas for improvement within the French government's reach, such as strengthening and clarifying regulations relating to MPAs, and anticipating the effects on populations directly affected by the establishment of an MPA.

A word of advice for future students applying for the Seas and Ocean Certification?

Throughout my journey toward the Seas and Ocean Certification, a phrase that guided me was one from Corinne Morel Darleux in her essay Plutôt couler en beauté que flotter sans grâce (Better sink beautifully than float gracelessly):  “We can only defend what we have learned to love, understood with our minds, and integrated with our senses.” I believe that by adopting this mindset throughout your journey, you will gain a better understanding of the scale of the current challenges related to ocean protection and how they are interconnected with countless other issues facing society today.