Gathering of 10,000 for Record-Breaking Ocean Summit in France
International Leaders assemble in Nice to tackle Ocean Crisis: UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference)
Attention all ocean enthusiasts and leaders, get ready to unite in the vibrant city of Nice, France, as we dive headfirst into the United Nations Oceans Conference.
The date approaches for this momentous ocean rally, scheduled for June 10th, 2025. As Earth's oceans face the brunt of increasing threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution, experts in the field are begging governments to seize this opportunity to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems.
This ocean spectacular, lasting from June 9th to June 13th, is set to shatter records as the largest ocean summit ever organized. The event could potentially unlock the keys to fostering critical agreements, ensuring promises are kept, and paving the way for groundbreaking new pledges.
What is the United Nations Ocean Conference?
This globe-trotting gathering is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, bent on confronting the escalating ocean emergency that poses a serious threat to our planet. Scientists warn us about a perfect storm brewing, with climate change, plastic pollution, ecosystem loss, and overutilization of marine resources pushing our oceans to their breaking point[1][2][3].
To combat these predicaments, the UNOC is rallying leaders, scientists, activists, and businesses together. At its very core, UNOC focuses on the implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.The conference's overarching theme is speeding up action and mobilizing all players in the world to conserve and sustainably utilize the ocean[3][5].
This is the third United Nations Oceans conference, and it boasts an anticipated attendance of over 10,000 participants. Indeed, this conference is gearing up to welcome heavy-hitters like Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula and France's President Emmanuel Macron, who will be under the spotlight.
Will UNOC Result in a New Agreement for Oceans?
With the ink barely dry on seven days of high-stakes diplomacy, the summit is destined to conclude with the adoption of a political declaration. Although this declaration won't be enforced legally, it sets a powerful example for future aspirations and encourages governments, investors, and civil society to champion new initiatives[3][4].
UNOC's key priorities for the declaration revolve around the following themes:
- Defending Ocean Ecosystems: Protecting marine life and their habitats to prevent species extinction and maintain biodiversity.
- Building Sustainable Ocean Economies: Developing ocean-friendly businesses, investments, and industries to boost sustainable growth, jobs, and income.
- Accelerating Actions: Encouraging partnerships, technological advancements, and best practices to hasten meaningful improvements in ocean health[3][4].
A successful conference would culminate in a final and signed political declaration, which would be christened the Nice Ocean Action Plan.
Furthermore, efforts aim to secure more ratifications of the landmark United Nations High Seas Treaty. The goal is to bring this international agreement into force as global law before the end of the summit[1][2].
A strong outcome could also help lay the groundwork for additional biodiversity and climate victories at COP30 in Brazil later this year.
What Can We Expect from President Macron?
France is teaming up with Costa Rica to co-host this aquatic extravaganza on the striking Mediterranean coast[2]. As the summit draws closer, President Macron and the French government have been placing hefty pressure on countries to up their ocean protection efforts.
"We've...encouraged countries to increase ratification for the BBNJ (UN High Seas Treaty)," says Rita El Zaghloul, director of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People[1]. In late May, the European Union and six of its member states formally ratified the High Seas Treaty after France and Spain did so earlier this year[2].
After spending the last several years lobbying for ocean conservation, France is eagerly anticipated to make bold announcements regarding the designation of new marine protected areas. Critics and advocates alike will be closely watching for definitive commitments regarding phasing out bottom trawling in protected marine areas[1][2].
Funding for Marine Protection is Desperately Lacking
Whilst promises of oceanic action abound, they remain empty vessels without the funds to fill them. The global effort to protect marine ecosystems is currently heavily underfunded, with only a mere $1.2 billion (€1.05 billion) of the estimated $15.8 billion (€13.8 billion) being invested[6].
In 2022, nearly 200 countries agreed to designate 30% of the world's oceans as protected areas by 2030. As of 2024, just 8.4% of marine areas were covered, and only 2.7% were assessed as effectively protected[6]. The need for funding to achieve the 30% by 2030 target is urgent and substantial, with a current funding gap of $14.6 billion (€12.7 billion)[6].
Our planet's essential lifelines are at stake, and environmental groups argue that funding for ocean protection cannot be viewed as an optional expense. Instead, it is a vital economic imperative required to protect one of our planet's most valuable assets and generate sustainable investments with long-term returns[6].
Now, more than ever, world leaders have a golden opportunity to forge new partnerships, sign critical marine protection agreements, and champion the investment needed to safeguard our oceans and their denizens.
- In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the impact of medical-conditions on ocean life could provide valuable insights, considering the relationship between certain diseases and pollution.
- As the United Nations Oceans Conference aims to rally leaders, educators might incorporate discussions about environmental-science and climate-change into curriculums, fostering environmental awareness among future generations.
- Businesses in the finance sector could potentially invest in sustainable ocean economies by supporting ocean-friendly industries, contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.
- For environmental-science researchers, the data gathered from the United Nations Oceans Conference could help identify best practices for preserving marine ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change, thereby providing invaluable knowledge for academic and business sectors.
){kind=link}