The third United Nations conference on the ocean, held in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025, generated high expectations. This summit, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, brought together heads of state from around the world, scientists, businesses, and NGOs. With crucial issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and the exploitation of marine resources, the discussions were of paramount importance for the future of our oceans.
Hope was high. Who knows, maybe this will kick-start a real international momentum to protect our seas. However, despite this mobilization, criticisms have emerged regarding the effectiveness of the decisions made, which sometimes seem rather symbolic. What was actually accomplished during this intense week of debates? Let’s dive into the heart of the event.
The issues addressed at the Nice conference
One of the most important aspects of this conference was the recognition of the severity of the situation of our oceans. Every participant became aware that time is of the essence. Indeed, the oceans are under constant pressure due to climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing. But then, what were the main themes discussed? Let’s take a look!
- 🌊 Plastic pollution: A hot topic with initiatives to reduce plastic use and encourage recycling.
- 🐟 Overfishing: The consequences of unregulated fishing on marine ecosystems.
- 🏝️ Marine protected areas: The necessity to expand these zones in order to preserve biodiversity.
- ⚓ Exploitation of the deep sea: The risks associated with deep-sea mining.
- 🌍 International collaboration: The importance of cataloging the efforts of different countries through binding agreements.
Many experts, including those from the Institute for Ocean Conservation, spoke on this subject. For example, they highlighted that the oceans cover more than 70% of our planet and that it is imperative to act now. Mobilization has intensified around the idea that every country must contribute to this global challenge.
Plastic pollution at the center of debates
During this conference, the Plastic Pollution Coalition, along with other NGOs such as Greenpeace and Ocean Conservancy, extensively shared their concerns about the extent of plastic pollution. Telling statistics show that millions of tons of plastic end up in our seas every year, threatening marine wildlife and, consequently, our health.
To address this, several proposals were advanced such as the development of an international treaty aimed at significantly reducing plastic production. This includes first the ability to reduce production, then to recycle effectively, and finally to reuse plastics. In sum, this is a circular approach that could transform our relationship with this material.
| Proposed actions | Description | Involved organizations |
|---|---|---|
| International treaty on plastics | Establish global standards for reducing plastic pollution. | 🐢 Plastic Pollution Coalition, 🦈 Sea Shepherd |
| Environmental education | Raising awareness among the general public and industries. | 🌏 The Ocean Cleanup, 🏄♂️ Surfers Against Sewage |
| Grants for alternatives | Encourage innovation on more sustainable replacement materials. | 🌊 WWF, 🌱 Oceanic Global |
Advancements and challenges in marine resource management
Another major point discussed there was the exploitation of marine resources. This is a sensitive subject, as many countries view the deep seas as an inexhaustible source of wealth. Yet, the environmental risks are immense.
The Coral Triangle Initiative made its voice heard, emphasizing the importance of protecting these biodiversity-rich zones. Thus, a moratorium on this exploitation was initiated, and discussions surrounding a strong framework to regulate deep-sea exploitation were held.
How to regulate the exploitation of marine resources?
Sustainable management of marine resources is achieved through several strategic initiatives. Here are some avenues explored during the conference:
- 📜 Creation of multilateral agreements to frame exploitation.
- 🗺️ Mapping sensitive areas to limit extractive activities in fragile ecosystems.
- 🔍 Scientific research to assess the long-term consequences of exploitation.
- 🤝 Partnerships with NGOs for better monitoring.
- 🛠️ Sustainable technologies to promote less polluting extraction methods.
But the major challenge lies in the joint implementation of these measures, as each country must commit to respecting a common framework to ensure balanced exploitation without compromising our marine habitats. The time is for action, and this requires breaking down the barriers of nationalism to unite our efforts.
Marine protected areas: a viable solution?
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are one of the main levers at its disposal to restore and protect marine biodiversity. Indeed, protecting a marine area can lead to an explosion of underwater life, aided by the regeneration of several species. During this conference, countries made commitments to expand their MPA networks. This could increase the share of protected oceans to 30% by 2030, an ambitious but crucial goal.
What does a marine protected area look like?
An MPA is a place where human activities are regulated to preserve natural resources. Here are some important characteristics:
- 🌍 Total protection: Prohibition of destructive activities such as unregulated fishing.
- 🏖️ Zoning: Spaces dedicated to conservation, sustainable tourism, or research.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Community involvement: Local populations are often best placed to manage these resources.
- 🔬 Scientific monitoring: Regular data collection to adapt management.
- 🥇 Knowledge sharing: Exchange of experiences between countries and NGOs.
The conference was also an opportunity to announce the creation of a transnational MPA in the high seas, co-organized by Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia. This is a fine example of regional cooperation that could encourage other countries to follow suit.
| Country | Marine Protected Area | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | Tainui Atea | 1,000,000 |
| 🌱 Ecuador | Galmopacifico | 500,000 |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | The West Sea | 200,000 |
The actions and commitments of states: between promises and reality
All this may seem rich in good ideas, but the question that arises at this point is: what is the reality behind these commitments? Generally, they come with goals covered by non-binding documents, which raises questions about their implementation. Moreover, representatives from NGOs like Greenpeace and WWF criticize the “nice words” for their lack of effectiveness.
The disappointments observed
Several commitments regarding the protection of marine areas and the prohibition of illegal fishing have not been fulfilled. A mixed assessment has been made, with advancements on the BBNJ treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) that provides a legal framework for two-thirds of the oceans, but the need for international oversight is undeniable. Here are some points of solicitation:
- 🤔 Non-binding political declaration: Requests but without obligations.
- ❌ Absence of concrete promises: Countries must truly engage to make their commitments real.
- 🌍 Difference in representation: Developing countries, often the most affected, are sidelined in discussions.
- 🔍 Weak monitoring: Lack of infrastructure to truly follow through on commitments.
- 🗣️ Insufficient mobilization: Local actors need to be more integrated into decision-making processes.
In sum, this conference was an important step in laying the groundwork for international dialogue on ocean preservation, but the road remains fraught with challenges. It will be crucial to maintain constant pressure to ensure that commitments translate into actions.
FAQ about the Nice conference and ocean protection
- What were the main concerns raised at the conference?
The main themes discussed were plastic pollution, overfishing, and the exploitation of marine resources. - What is the impact of marine protected areas?
They are crucial for restoring biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems. - Why are states’ commitments often criticized?
They often lack binding constraints, which leads to low chances of real engagement. - Who are the main actors involved in ocean protection?
NGOs like Greenpeace, WWF, Ocean Conservancy, and government entities actively participate. - How can I contribute to ocean preservation?
This can involve reducing your use of plastics, raising awareness about sustainable consumption, or even participating in volunteer actions.
