- Context (TH): The 3rd UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3) was held in Nice, France to strengthen global ocean governance under SDG-14. It accelerated ratification of the BBNJ Treaty and supported marine goals under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
About the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC)
- UNOC is the main United Nations conference supporting SDG-14 (Life Below Water).
- It operates under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Conference Series: Held in 2017 (New York), 2022 (Lisbon), and 2025 (Nice); next in 2028 (Chile & South Korea).
- Multi-Stakeholder: Involves states, UN agencies, scientists, the private sector, and civil society.
UNOC 2025 Conference (UNOC3)
- Held in Nice, France. Host Countries: France and Costa Rica.
- Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
- Objectives: Address governance, financing, scientific knowledge, and climate adaptation. Reinforce SDG 14: Life Below Water—focus on sustainable fisheries, pollution control, and marine conservation.
- India’s Engagement: India advocated for marine diplomacy, sustainable fisheries, and open data.
- Outcome Document: Culminated in the launch of the Nice Ocean Agreements.
- BBNJ Progress: 56 countries ratified the treaty, nearing the 60-ratification threshold.
Outcomes of UNOC3
Blue NDC Challenge
- Launched by: Brazil and France
- It urges countries to incorporate ocean-focused climate measures into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the COP30 to the UNFCCC in Belem, Brazil.
- The deadline for the 3rd set of NDCs for 2035 was February 10, 2025. Only 21 countries of the 195 parties have made their submissions this year.
- Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, and Seychelles have already joined the initiative, committing to including ocean-focused climate action in their updated NDCs.
- NDCs are national climate plans that outline a country’s efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement adopted by 195 Parties at UNFCCC COP21 in Paris, France, 2015.
|
Nice Wake-up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty
- The “Nice Wake-Up Call” comes ahead of the next round of UN plastics treaty negotiations, INC-5.2, scheduled for August 5-14, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It is a powerful push for a strong, legally binding global plastics treaty, especially as negotiations have been challenging and have missed previous deadlines.
- It identifies five crucial elements necessary for an effective Global Plastics Treaty.
- The need for a global target to reduce the primary production of plastic polymers across the world.
- Phasing out the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern.
- Improving the design of plastic products.
- Effective means of implementation and finance that are commensurate with the ambition and guided by the polluter pays principle.
- An effective treaty that can evolve over time.
- The Nice Wake-Up Call has 96 signatories and remains open for others to join.
India
- India is not among the signatories of the ‘Nice Wake-Up Call’
- Backed the swift ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and advocated for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.
- Launched ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, underscoring its leadership in global marine governance.
Successes of UNOC3 2025
|
Led By
|
Initiative
|
Purpose
|
Details
|
| European Commission |
Ocean Investment Package |
Ocean governance and sustainable fisheries |
€1 billion pledged for conservation and marine science |
| French Polynesia |
Largest Marine Protected Area |
Marine biodiversity protection |
5 million sq. km of EEZ declared protected |
| Spain |
New MPAs Commitment |
Expansion of marine protected areas |
Five MPAs announced, covering 25% marine area |
| Germany |
Baltic Munitions Cleanup |
Clearing explosive remnants from the seabed |
€100 million allocated for cleanup in the Baltic and North Seas |
| New Zealand |
Pacific Ocean Governance Fund |
Support for Pacific marine governance |
$52 million for governance and science in the Pacific Islands |
| Italy |
Marine Surveillance Support |
Improve monitoring in MPAs and oil zones |
€6.5 million for Coast Guard surveillance systems |
| Canada |
Climate Resilience Contribution |
Support climate resilience in coastal states |
$9 million for island and coastal resilience programs |
| Panama, Canada |
Quiet Ocean Coalition |
Tackle noise pollution in oceans |
37 countries committed to noise pollution regulation |
| UN Agencies |
One Ocean Finance |
Mobilise blue economy investments |
Finance strategy to support SDG-14 through industry investment |
Also read > High Seas Treaty.
