From the Islands to the World: The Voice of an Ocean-Committed Youth – Episode 2/6 (Ilona Mayerau-Lonné)

          Moreover, being surrounded by such passionate ocean advocates has reignited my desire to take direct action, much like I did in the past with Sea Shepherd. I am seriously considering re-engaging with campaigns or volunteering opportunities to protect marine wildlife and support on-the-ground conservation efforts.
          This experience has also reminded me of the importance of personal connection to the ocean. I have practiced scuba diving and apnea since childhood, and I now feel a renewed motivation to return to these activities more regularly. Diving is, for me, both a source of well-being and a powerful reminder of what is at stake. I believe sharing stories, photos, and underwater observations with my peers will help promote ocean literacy and inspire others. Although I currently live in Paris (far from the Ocean), I plan to get another marine diving certificate this summer when I return to New Caledonia in August and I also want to dive in the Mediterranean in July.
          Finally, I aim to amplify my involvement in environmental outreach—whether through workshops, digital content, or educational projects—so that I can pass on the knowledge and energy gained at UNOC 3 to a wider audience, encouraging more young people to become ocean ambassadors.

          Looking ahead, I would like to see both local and global efforts move from inspiring commitments to concrete, measurable actions for ocean protection.
          In New Caledonia, we are fortunate to have made significant progress over the past decade—especially through the creation of the Coral Sea Nature Park, one of the world’s largest marine protected areas, and the recent recognition of marine World Heritage sites by UNESCO. These achievements show how local communities, scientists, and authorities can work together to safeguard vast and precious marine ecosystems. 
          However, I believe it is vital to build on these advances. We need to implement stricter controls on illegal fishing, improve pollution monitoring, and strengthen collaboration between local knowledge holders and scientific communities. Education and youth engagement should be further prioritized—empowering the new generation of ocean stewards to carry on the momentum.
 

At the regional and global scale, I would like to see more ambitious pledges turned into practical initiatives, increased funding for nature-based solutions, and greater inclusion of island voices in multilateral negotiations. The participation of New Caledonia and other OCTs at forums like UNOC is crucial: our territories are on the frontlines of ocean change and can provide innovative solutions that are relevant worldwide.