Third UN Ocean Conference: Opportunity to Build Consensus

The upcoming UN Ocean Conference 2025 aims to address urgent challenges and establish global commitments for ocean protection

India and the Blue Economy

• Coastal Significance: India has a 7,517 km long coastline, with one-third of its population living in coastal areas.
• Vision 2030 : The Indian government’s Vision 2030 identifies the blue economy as one of the 10 core dimensions of growth, recognizing the ocean’s role in daily life, the economy, and the environment.
• Shared Heritage and Resources: The ocean belongs to all — it provides food, protection, energy, trade routes, resources, and scientific knowledge.
• Human Dependence: One in three people worldwide depend on the ocean for their livelihood.

Alarming State of the Ocean

• Pollution and Overexploitation: 8+ million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually (Science journal). Over one-third of fish stocks are affected by overfishing.
• Impact of Climate Change: Rising ocean acidification, Sea level rise, Marine ecosystem destruction
• Governance and Funding Gaps: The ocean lacks effective global governance and adequate financial support for preservation.
• Multilateral Cooperation: There is an urgent need for multilateral action matching the scale of the oceanic crisis.

The UN Ocean Conference 2025

• Global Convergence: Held from June 9–13, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice.
• Broad Participation: Expected participants include around 100 heads of state and government. Researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists, and citizens
• Objective: The conference aims to protect the ocean through tangible, action-oriented commitments.

Nice Ocean Agreements

• Historic Opportunity: Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, UNOC3 is seen as a chance to create a binding global framework for ocean conservation.
• Alignment with SDGs: The “Nice Ocean Agreements” would align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015.
• Key Focus Areas: Better governance, Increased financing, Enhanced scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems

Strengthening Ocean Governance

• Importance of the High Seas: The high seas make up over 60% of the ocean and currently lack international legal governance.
• Consequences of Legal Vacuum: Hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and capture of endangered marine species
• Role of the BBNJ Agreement: The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), under the UN Convention, is vital for ending this legal void.
• Requirement for Enforcement: To come into force, the BBNJ Agreement must be ratified by at least 60 countries.

Way Forward

• Need for Public and Private Financing: The protection of the ocean requires both public and private financing, along with consistent support for a sustainable blue economy.
• Ensuring Resource Regeneration: To continue benefiting from the economic opportunities offered by the ocean, it is essential to ensure that marine resources can regenerate.
• Commitments at UNOC3: At UNOC3 in Nice, commitments will be announced across sectors such as global trade, shipping, tourism, and investment.
• Incomplete Knowledge: Despite mapping the Moon and Mars, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the ocean depths, which cover 70% of the Earth’s surface.
• Need for Scientific Mobilisation: To protect the ocean effectively, we must mobilise science, innovation, and education, and improve public awareness.

India’s Engagement

• Cultural and Educational Outreach: In preparation for UNOC3 and to reflect on India’s vision, France will host the “We Are the Ocean” Festival throughout May.
• Locations and Events: Hosted by Alliances Françaises in Delhi, Chennai, Puducherry, and the Museum of Goa, the festival will feature:
  • Immersive exhibitions
  • Film screenings
  • Workshops and debates with experts and artists from France and India
• Public Participation: The festival invites the public to learn, share views, and engage in critical discussions on ocean-related topics.

Ocean as a Shared Global Responsibility

• Urgency: With climate change accelerating and marine resources being overexploited, the ocean is not just another issue — it is everyone’s business.
• Multilateralism: Despite global challenges to multilateralism, the ocean remains a universal bond and a shared responsibility.
• Vision for UNOC3: UNOC3 has the potential to become a watershed moment — for our peoples, for future generations, and for the planet.

Conclusion

The ocean is central to India’s growth and global sustainability, requiring urgent action to protect its ecosystems and ensure its resources regenerate. The upcoming UN Ocean Conference 2025 presents a historic opportunity for collective governance, financing, and scientific advancement