Axel Riviere-Youth Advisory Council Member 2025-2026
About This Event
Axel Riviere, (he/him) is a French student and ocean enthusiast currently pursuing engineering studies in biotechnology at the ESTBB in Lyon. At 20, he combines a strong academic background in life sciences with a deep passion for the ocean, aiming to build a career where research, innovation, and community engagement meet.
From a young age, Axel has been captivated by the sea. His journey into marine conservation began at a very young age. Living surrounded by mountains in the heart of the French Alps, far from the ocean, his curiosity led him to take an interest in marine biology and conservation. This led him to become involved in his community as a diver. He became actively involved in ALPAGA, a local diving association, where he contributes not only as a diver but also by helping to develop eco-friendly initiatives and raise awareness about sustainable practices. His commitment to ocean stewardship has grown steadily, leading him to take on ambitious projects that merge science, art, and education.
Beyond diving, Axel has explored multiple ways of sharing his passion for the ocean with a broader audience. As a photographer, he documents marine life, coastal landscapes, and the resilience of nature, often using his work to tell stories of connection between humans and the sea within his community. He plans to bring this creative perspective into larger initiatives, including exhibitions and international competitions such as the Ocean Photographer of the Year.
In 2025, he participated in the Nice Step One Hackathon during the United Nations Ocean Conference, where he co-developed a project on citizen science and participatory approaches to ocean conservation. This experience strengthened his determination to connect communities, researchers, and policymakers in collective efforts to protect the ocean.
His academic path in biotechnology aligns with his long-term ambition to specialize in marine biotechnology, with the goal of applying innovative research to ocean sustainability. He envisions working at the interface of science and society, helping to develop solutions that address pressing challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change, and the preservation of marine biodiversity.
As a member of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, Axel is proud to represent France. He is eager to bring his perspective as a diver, student, and creator to the global conversation on ocean conservation. His goal is to foster collaboration across disciplines and borders, empowering communities to see themselves as part of the solution.
His goal is to show that anyone can and, above all, should feel concerned about issues related to the fate of the oceans. The lack of information and accessibility to these issues by remote communities that do not live near the coast is a very important issue for him. Everyone’s voice must be heard, especially when the stakes are so high.
Axel continues to be guided by curiosity, creativity, and a profound respect for the ocean. With each step whether in the classroom, under the sea, or in front of an audience he strives to contribute to a more sustainable and connected future for our blue planet.