Summary
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, concluded with a strong push for accelerating action on SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 14 (Life Below Water) and a focus on mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. While the conference saw significant declarations and commitments, some observers noted a lack of concrete action in the final declaration.
Key Outcomes and Highlights:
· Renewed Commitment to SDG 14:
The conference aimed to accelerate progress on SDG 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the ocean’s resources.
· High Seas Treaty:
There was renewed support for the High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
· Deep-Sea Mining:
International calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining were made, highlighting the potential risks to marine ecosystems.
· Blue NDC Challenge:
France and Brazil launched the “Blue NDC Challenge,” urging the integration of ocean solutions into global climate and development policies.
· Financial Commitments:
The European Commission announced a 1 billion EUR investment to support ocean conservation, science, and sustainable fishing.
· Voluntary Commitments:
Many countries made voluntary commitments to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.
· Focus on Vulnerable Nations:
The conference emphasized the need to mobilize finance for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
· Importance of the Ocean’s Role in Climate Change:
The conference underscored the vital role of the ocean in mitigating climate change.
· Need for Implementation and Monitoring:
A key takeaway was the need for rigorous implementation, tracking, and scaling up of commitments made during the conference.
Areas of Concern:
· Missed Opportunities:
Some observers felt the conference did not deliver enough concrete action, particularly in the joint political declaration.
· Implementation Gap:
There are concerns that the momentum generated at the conference needs to translate into concrete national action.
· Focus on Social Factors:
There was a need to ensure that decision-making factors in social factors and the perspectives of communities that rely on the ocean.
Overall:
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice was a significant event with strong declarations and commitments to protect the ocean. However, there are concerns about the lack of concrete action in the final declaration and the need for effective implementation and monitoring of the commitments made.
