Politicizing the Waves: Surfers, the New Guardians of the Sea

Faced with the growing challenges of ocean conservation, certain NGOs have established themselves as key players in driving change. This is particularly true of Surfrider Foundation Europe, which, over the past 30 years, has become one of the most influential organisations for ocean protection, both in France and across Europe.

By politicising the waves, it has turned these natural phenomena into entities to be defended through public action. This approach has led it to tackle marine and ocean pollution in all its forms, at every scale, and among diverse audiences. With its recognised expertise in water quality and macro-waste, its large activist community, and its ability to engage the media and policymakers, Surfrider has contributed to the emergence of a true "government of the sea"—an institutional space for defining and regulating issues affecting maritime areas, including oceans, gulfs, deltas, and inland seas.

Julien Weisbein, Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po Toulouse, Pauline Ado, professional surfer and ambassador of Surfrider Foundation, and Vincent Glavieux, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of La Recherche magazine, invite us to explore this transformation and understand how NGOs have shaped the defence of oceans, seas, and coastlines for decades.

At the end of the discussion, you will have the opportunity to ask our guests any questions. The event will be followed by a convivial gathering.