On June 13 in Nice, the third United Nations Ocean Conference wrapped with the launch of the Nice Ocean Action Plan, signaling a fresh wave of global commitment to protect our blue planet.
Anchored by the political declaration titled Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action, the plan sets clear goals: expand marine protected areas, decarbonize maritime transport, tackle marine pollution and mobilize funding for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
A major highlight was the BBNJ Agreement, the global pact on conserving marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. At UNOC, 19 additional countries ratified the agreement, bringing it closer to entry into force, which requires 10 more ratifications.
Over five days, heads of state, policymakers, academics, NGO and private sector representatives debated ocean governance and sustainable development. They mapped out strategies to scale marine reserves, cut shipping emissions and remove plastics from the seas.
Looking ahead, South Korea and Chile will co-host the next UN Ocean Conference in 2028, aiming to build on Nice's momentum and push the global agenda even further.
Our Ocean, Our Future may be the rallying cry, but the real challenge now is turning today’s commitments into tomorrow’s tides of change that safeguard marine ecosystems and support coastal communities worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
