As world leaders prepare for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), beginning Monday, 9th of June, in Nice, France, marine conservation experts warn that ocean health has continued to deteriorate across key indicators since the last conference in 2022, despite international commitments to protect marine ecosystems.
The conference represents a critical benchmark for assessing whether governments can urgently get on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 targets by 2030. However, the preliminary draft for the UNOC3 final declaration lacks ambition and meaningful action which is needed to address the marine crisis effectively.
Fabienne McLellan, Managing Director of OceanCare said:
“The high level gathering in Nice is, at its very core, is a test of political will. Since Lisbon 2022, we’ve seen ocean conditions worsen across multiple indicators whilst governments offer aspirational language without much tangible action. OceanCare will be in Nice to ensure scientific evidence and citizen voices reach decision-makers as they are looked-upon to set the path with transformative actions the Ocean needs. in view of the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The window for effective ocean action is likely to close within the next 5-10 years. The world is watching if this forum will deliver the decisive action long called for by the scientific and global community. Because our planet is blue.”
This year’s World Ocean Day (8 June) theme “Sustaining What Sustains Us” emphasises the urgent need for ecosystem restoration. Without immediate action to protect and restore marine habitats, these ecosystems cannot continue supporting life on Earth. To strengthen this call, OceanCare will present its “Because Our Planet Is Blue” petition, with over 113,500 signatures, to Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, who has been a strong voice for the ocean. At the centre of the initiative are six concrete demands: banning offshore oil and gas exploration, implementing mandatory vessel speed reduction, prohibiting destructive fishing practices, adopting comprehensive and binding plastic pollution rules, agreeing on a deep-sea mining moratorium, and ensuring effective marine habitat protection and restoration.
OceanCare's experts will monitor the negotiations closely, engage with government delegations, and provide an independent assessment of whether the conference delivers transformative action needed to reverse current negative trends and achieve genuine ocean protection and restoration.
Source: OceanCare