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Title: France Rallies World Leaders to Seal Ocean Protection Deal at UN conference in Nice
Source: Inter Press Service
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Let's begin!
France rallies World Leaders to Seal Ocean Protection Deal at UN Conference in Nice
Table of Contents
Hey there, ocean lovers! Get ready for some exciting news coming straight from the French Riviera. This week, Nice, France, hosted the UN Ocean conference, where global leaders, scientists, and activists gathered to discuss the future of our oceans. The result? A groundbreaking agreement that promises to transform how we protect our marine environments. Let’s dive in!
A New Era for Ocean Governance
Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, France’s Special Envoy for the UN Ocean Conference, announced that this gathering marks a turning point for ocean conservation. With 174 delegations and 64 heads of state, the conference aimed to shift the world’s oceans from a lawless expanse to a protected global commons.This new approach is driven by science, cooperation, and, most importantly, binding treaties.
The “Treaty of Nice”: A Landmark Achievement
The centerpiece of the conference was the “Treaty of Nice,” a pact designed to place nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean under international governance. Conservationists are calling it the biggest step forward for marine protection in decades. Here’s what you need to know:
Ratification: With 56 countries already ratifying the treaty and 14 more expected to join by September 23, it’s set to become law by early January 2026.
Scope: The treaty regulates the high seas, areas beyond national jurisdiction that have long suffered from overfishing, pollution, and unregulated extraction.
Ocean COP: The agreement sets the stage for the first-ever Ocean COP by the end of 2026, where countries will finalize implementation protocols, establish a permanent secretariat, and enforce the treaty using satellites, naval fleets, and drones.D’Arvor emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “Nice could become for ocean governance what Rio was for climate and biodiversity.”
Overcoming Geopolitical tensions
Despite global tensions, France, along with co-host Costa Rica and the UN, successfully garnered widespread support for the treaty.Even geopolitical rivals like China, India, and the European Union endorsed the agreement. Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Indonesia ratified it during the summit, showcasing a united front for ocean protection.
Deep-Sea Mining: A Word of Caution
D’Arvor also addressed the contentious issue of deep-sea mining, notably in light of a recent U.S. executive order authorizing a preliminary exploration mission. He firmly stated, “The deep sea is not for sale-no more than Antarctica or Greenland.” A coalition of 40 countries will continue to block any attempts to adopt a mining code without consensus under the international Seabed Authority (ISA).
The European Ocean Pact: A Boost for Ocean Exploration
Along with the treaty, the conference saw the launch of the European Ocean Pact, a collaborative ocean exploration initiative led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. With backing from countries like India and China, this pact aims to address the significant imbalance in research funding, as ocean exploration currently receives 250 times less funding than space programs.
The initiative will unite oceanographic institutes, space agencies, and private sector players to create a shared global database, mapping and understanding the ocean in unprecedented detail.The goal? To fully understand the ocean within 15 years-or at least enough to truly protect it.
The Future of Ocean Policy: Science-Driven
D’Arvor stressed that science, not political posturing, will guide future ocean policy. “This is the victory of science,” he said.”The ocean has long been a victim of exploitation and ignorance. But now, it can become a platform for cooperation and peace.”
Challenges Ahead
While Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are relatively well-managed, questions remain about compliance and enforcement. The real challenge lies in translating these high-level pledges into measurable progress.
Hope for Ocean Defenders
Despite the challenges,the momentum from the Nice conference has renewed hope for ocean defenders worldwide. “We are not there yet,” D’Arvor acknowledged, “But for the first time, we are truly moving forward-and there is no turning back.”
Final thoughts
The UN Ocean conference in Nice marks a significant milestone in the global effort to protect our oceans. With the “Treaty of Nice” and the European Ocean Pact, we are taking concrete steps towards better governance, increased exploration, and a science-driven approach to ocean conservation. While challenges remain, the unity and commitment shown by world leaders offer a beacon of hope for the future of our marine environments.Stay tuned for more updates as these initiatives unfold, and let’s all do our part to protect our oceans!
