United Nations Ocean Conference
Context: The Third UN Ocean Conference (2025) offers a vital opportunity for global consensus on ocean conservation and sustainable use amidst rising threats like overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
Important Pointers:
Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
► Date & Venue: June 9–13, 2025, in Nice, France; co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. ► Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” ► Focus: Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) – conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Significance for India
► Coastal Importance: India has a 7,517 km coastline; approximately one-third of its population resides in coastal areas. ► Vision 2030: Recognizes the blue economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth.
Key Objectives of UNOC3
► Governance: Promote ratification and implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). ► Finance: Mobilize funding for sustainable blue economy initiatives and ocean preservation projects. ► Science & Knowledge: Enhance marine scientific research and data sharing to support evidence-based policymaking.
Challenges Highlighted
► Pollution: Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. ► Overfishing: More than one-third of global fish stocks are overexploited. ► Climate Change Impacts: Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and destruction of marine ecosystems.
Expected Outcomes:
► Nice Ocean Agreements: Aim to establish a binding global framework for ocean conservation, akin to the Paris Agreement. ► Global Collaboration: Participation from around 100 heads of state and government, researchers, scientists, economic actors, and citizens worldwide.