image credit: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/un-urges-ratification-treaty-protect-planets-fragile-oceans-2025-06-09/
At UNOC3 in Nice, IMO Secretary‑General Urges Shipping Sector to “Accelerate Collective Action” to Safeguard Our Seas
From June 9–13, the vibrant Mediterranean city of Nice is hosting the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Co‑organized by France and Costa Rica under the banner “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the week-long summit brings together scientists, policymakers, ocean‑sector stakeholders, NGOs, and civil society.
A central focus? Turning rhetoric into real results—especially in deep‑sea protection, reducing plastic pollution, decarbonizing maritime transport, and ensuring at least 30 % of the ocean is protected by 2030.
Core Highlights
1. IMO Sounding the Alarm
IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez stressed that “we all have a responsibility”—governments, marine industries, and shipping—invoking the “power of multilateralism”. IMO is leading by example, unveiling two new Global Industry Alliances to combat underwater noise and marine plastics and calling for deeper involvement of shipping in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
2. High Seas Treaty Momentum
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and thousands of delegates are urging countries to swiftly ratify the 2023 global treaty on High Seas biodiversity (BBNJ), essential for protecting international waters. Sixty ratifications are needed for enactment—50 done, but 60 required. Guterres also emphasized the ocean’s role in absorbing CO₂ and regulating the climate.
3. From Paper Parks to Real Protection
Just 2.7 % of the world’s ocean is effectively protected—far from the 30 % goal. France claims to protect over 30 % of its waters, yet only 3 % are fully safeguarded, with enforcement issues and “paper parks” criticized by NGOs. Notably, France’s Port‑Cros National Park stands out as a success story.
4. Funding & Blue Economy
Mobilizing finance for SDG 14 is a key agenda item. The Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco (June 7–8) has set the stage, spotlighting the need for $100 billion annually to protect ocean-based ecosystems.
5. Launching Nice Ocean Action Plan
The culmination of UNOC3 will be the Nice Ocean Action Plan, a political declaration summarizing pledges, whether on new marine protected areas, bans on bottom trawling, or maritime decarbonization.
Why This Matters?
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Shipping’s weight: With over 80 % of global trade moving via ocean, the sector must lead on decarbonization and pollution reduction.
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Treaty entry is pivotal: Protecting two-thirds of the ocean via the High Seas Treaty is critical for marine biodiversity and climate resilience.
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Closing the rhetoric–action gap: Moving from “paper parks” to meaningful enforcement is vital; the conference aims to transform promises into real protection.
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Major shipping nations including the U.S. and China are expected to announce ratification or support for the High Seas Treaty.
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Private sector pledges from IMO’s new alliances on underwater noise and plastic cleanup.
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Public and side‑event launches such as sustainable shipping corridors, finance partnerships, and grassroots commitments from NGOs and coastal communities.
UNOC3 in Nice is more than talk—it’s a global rallying point for maritime stakeholders. The challenge ahead: ensuring that policies are enforced, funding follows pledges, and the shipping industry lives up to its responsibility. If successful, this could mark a turning point for our oceans—and our future.
