Unprecedented Global Gathering for Ocean Protection
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, held in Nice, France from June 9 to 13, marked a historic moment as world leaders, scientists, and policymakers convened to address the urgent crisis facing the world's oceans. Hosted by France and Costa Rica, this third iteration of the conference saw over 170 countries come together in a rare display of unity. The event, set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, aimed to accelerate efforts to preserve marine environments and protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions.
French President Emmanuel Macron opened the summit with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for multilateral mobilization to save the seas. He highlighted the oceans as vast carbon sinks and treasures of biodiversity, urging nations to forge binding agreements to restore peace to these critical ecosystems. The conference featured over 450 events and drew thousands of stakeholders, showcasing a global commitment to tackling threats like overfishing and pollution.
High Seas Treaty Gains Momentum
A major focus of the conference was the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. On June 9, Macron announced that the treaty has garnered support from 50 countries, with an additional 15 pledging their commitment during the event. He expressed optimism that the treaty could take effect as early as January 2026, a significant step toward protecting marine areas beyond national boundaries, which cover two-thirds of the world's oceans but currently have only 1% under protection.
The treaty aims to establish protected marine areas in international waters, addressing destructive practices such as bottom trawling. UN Chief Antonio Guterres echoed Macron's urgency, calling on world leaders to ratify the agreement swiftly. The Nice Action Plan, expected to be adopted as a strategic document for global ocean conservation, proposes ambitious commitments to strengthen these protected zones over the coming decades.
Commitments and Challenges Ahead
As the conference concluded on June 13, a sweeping political declaration was adopted by consensus among the participating nations, promising urgent action to safeguard the oceans. The port of Nice resonated with the sound of ships' foghorns, symbolizing a collective resolve to prioritize ocean health. However, challenges remain, including the need for further ratifications to activate the High Seas Treaty and addressing funding gaps for conservation efforts.
Macron also took the opportunity to criticize the US withdrawal of climate funding ahead of the summit, underscoring the financial hurdles in achieving global ocean goals. Despite these obstacles, the event highlighted initiatives like eDNA Expeditions II to protect marine biodiversity, signaling hope for innovative solutions. The outcomes of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice lay a critical foundation for future efforts to preserve the planet's 'blue lung' and ensure sustainable use of its resources.