Overview and Background

United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is currently underway in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, gathering nearly 60 heads of state and government. This conference comes in the wake of significant agreements, including the November 2024 accord in Baku during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate and the biodiversity deal in Rome in February 2024. Despite the challenges facing multilateralism, the conference aims to address pressing issues affecting the world's oceans, which absorb 25% to 30% of human-released carbon dioxide. Key threats include acidification, pollution, and overfishing.

Unlike climate COPs, UNOC does not aim to produce binding commitments but to sustain momentum for ocean conservation. France is advocating for the ratification of the high seas treaty adopted in 2024, which seeks to protect biodiversity in international waters. The absence of the United States at the conference raises concerns due to its recent policies favoring deep-sea mining.

Key Findings

• High Seas Treaty: Eighteen countries ratified the treaty during the conference, bringing total ratifications to 49, just 11 short of the 60 needed for it to enter into force.
• Bottom Trawling Ban: The UK government plans to ban bottom trawling in 41 marine protected areas, covering 30,000 square kilometers, as part of its efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.
• Environmental Advocacy: Leading figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasize the necessity of international cooperation to combat ocean overexploitation and maintain biodiversity.
• Marine Protection Challenges: Only 8% of global oceans are designated for conservation, despite a global target to protect 30% by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance.
• Call for Action: World leaders are urged to implement concrete measures for ocean protection, as emphasized by advocates and attending officials.

“The deep sea cannot become the wild west,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing the need for regulated governance of ocean resources.

The conference is pivotal in addressing marine health and fostering collaborative efforts to protect global oceans from various threats, setting the stage for future international environmental policies.