Latest news with #3rdUnitedNationsOceanConference
Observer
14-07-2025
- General
- Observer
Turning the tide into the right direction for oceans
There's a saying you often hear in coastal communities: 'When the ocean is sick, the land will soon follow.' It might sound like just another old proverb, but in 2025, it has started to feel more real than ever. The ocean covers more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. It gives us over half the oxygen we breathe and helps keep our climate in balance by soaking up heat and carbon dioxide. It is home to millions of species. And for more than three billion people, it is a source of food, jobs and income. But despite everything the ocean does for us, we are still harming it. From overfishing and pollution to oil spills and climate change, the pressure keeps piling up. One of the worst practices is bottom trawling, dragging huge nets across the seafloor, which destroys marine life and releases carbon that had been safely stored in the seabed. Coral reefs are also in serious trouble. These underwater ecosystems protect our coastlines and support about a quarter of all marine species. But many are dying fast. All over the world, coastal communities are seeing the signs: fewer fish, bleached corals and beaches covered in plastic. In June 2025, world leaders, scientists and environmentalists met in Nice, France, for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the event was more than just another big meeting; it was a strong reminder that we need to move faster to save our oceans. One big outcome was the Nice Ocean Action Plan, where countries made voluntary promises to better protect the ocean. India said it would ratify the High Seas Treaty. France called for tougher action, including a carbon tax on international shipping and more funding for sustainable "blue" industries. Around that same week, people around the world marked World Ocean Day on June 8, with the theme 'Sustainable Fishing Means More.' The next day, Coral Triangle Day was celebrated in Southeast Asia, focusing on the need to protect one of the world's richest marine areas. C:fakepathGvvWq0WXoAAefyu It might all sound far away, but it's not. Oman, for example, has one of the longest coastlines in the region, and the sea has always been a big part of who we are. Our history, our trade, our food; it's all tied to the ocean. But that connection means we also have a duty to protect it. There is a lot we can do. We can tighten the rules on coastal pollution and over-development. We can support more responsible fishing and invest in aquaculture. We can create more marine reserves where nature has space to recover. Oman has already added ocean education to school curriculum, helping young people understand the ocean's true value, not just as a fun place to visit but as something that keeps us alive. Oman is also active in global talks on marine protection and plastic waste. Saving the ocean isn't just about saving fish or coral. It's about protecting our climate, our food, our jobs and our future. Everything is connected to the sea. The good news? More people are paying attention. Governments are talking. Campaigns are gaining momentum. But talk isn't enough. We need real actions that are bold, consistent and guided by science. Admiring the sea during a sunset walk is nice, but it's not enough. We have to stand up for it. Because our lives depend on it. The tide is turning, so let's make sure it turns in the right direction.
Daily News Egypt
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the closing session marking the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The high-level event was held on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in the city of Nice. The session convened 11 environment ministers and 3 deputy ministers from across the Mediterranean region, alongside Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UN Environment Programme's Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). The event featured two thematic sessions. The first showcased member state success stories in areas such as marine protected areas, pollution prevention, regional cooperation, monitoring and evaluation, and integrated coastal zone management. The second addressed strategies to combat single-use plastics, promote sustainable financing, and enhance synergies for plastic pollution control. Minister Fouad described the event as a timely opportunity to reflect on five decades of shared environmental action. 'This gathering embodies the spirit of Mediterranean solidarity and ambition. It is not just about preserving the environment, but safeguarding our culture, identity, and shared humanity,' she remarked. She commended the French Minister of Environment for an 'inspiring address' highlighting 15 years of fruitful partnership, expressing hope that this cooperation would continue to the 60th anniversary milestone. Fouad also stressed the urgency of intensifying efforts to achieve a pollution-free Mediterranean, particularly amid rising plastic pollution threats. With the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on a global plastics treaty set for August, the Minister underscored the importance of concluding a legally binding agreement that could 'mark the beginning of the end for plastic pollution.' In her remarks, Fouad highlighted the importance of sustainable financing and international collaboration. 'The Mediterranean region offers a valuable model of governance, with 22 countries working together on issues ranging from pandemic response to biodiversity and sea level rise,' she noted. She also praised the successful case studies shared during the session, applauding initiatives focused on biodiversity-climate linkages, coastal zone management, and community engagement in marine protection. 'These were not just presentations—they were passionate, hopeful stories that energised everyone in the room,' she added. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Fouad held a bilateral meeting with Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy. Discussions focused on ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty and aligning positions ahead of the INC 5.2 meeting. Fouad reaffirmed Egypt's support for establishing an independent financial mechanism to fund the treaty's objectives, thereby reducing pressure on the Global Environment Facility (GEF). She also referred to existing cooperation between Egypt and the EU on biodiversity finance within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. 'A new plastics treaty requires ambitious targets and a dedicated funding stream—both public and private,' she stated. 'We must ensure financial responsibilities are shared fairly and do not disproportionately burden developing countries or shift the cost unfairly onto the private sector.' The Minister further underscored the importance of technology transfer, especially for phasing out single-use plastics. 'Reducing plastic bag use hinges on access to viable alternatives—and that depends on technology. Funding must also support access to innovation,' she stressed. In closing, Fouad affirmed that financing, technology transfer, equitable access, and shared responsibility between developed and developing countries are all essential pillars for achieving a robust and effective global treaty to end plastic pollution. The post Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
Maroc
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance
Morocco's steadfast commitment to Africa and its efforts to promote inclusive ocean governance took center stage at two high-level side events held on Tuesday in Nice, France, as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3). Participating in both side events, Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, emphasized the joint efforts of states, environmental institutions, and civil society actors to make the ocean a lever for sustainable development, regional integration, and South-South solidarity. The first event, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection under the theme 'Innovation in Africa to Accelerate the Global Implementation of SDG 14,' provided an opportunity for Driouich to reaffirm Morocco's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 through innovation and African cooperation. Commending the Foundation's pioneering role, she underscored Africa's ambition to establish a cooperative model of ocean governance, as reflected in the Blue Africa Summit and the Tangier Declaration. Driouich also spoke of integrating technological, social, and institutional innovation at the core of African maritime strategies, while advocating for stronger African representation in international forums and the recognition of the continent's potential. Morocco, she stated, positions itself as a key driver of 'blue diplomacy,' placing the ocean at the service of sustainable development, peace, and sovereignty of African nations. Themed "Africa's blue ambition for UNOC3: Morocco's commitment to regional cooperation," the second side event was organized by the Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries. This meeting highlighted Morocco's promotion of inclusive ocean governance, based on science, diplomacy, the blue economy and South-South cooperation. These two events, which fully align with the Atlantic Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, helped put forth the African priorities at UNOC-3 and strengthen regional blue economy synergies while supporting the implementation of international ocean actions. MAP: 11 June 2025
Qatar Tribune
09-06-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar attends 3rd UN Ocean Conference
QNA Paris Represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), the State of Qatar is participating in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, which commenced on Monday in Nice, France, and will run until June 13. Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie is leading Qatar's delegation at the conference, which aims to accelerate international efforts to protect the oceans and ensure their sustainable use in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which is concerned with conserving the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The conference will discuss several key themes, including working towards the successful completion of ocean-related multilateral processes to raise the level of ambition for ocean protection; mobilising funding for SDG14 and supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy; and strengthening and better disseminating marine science knowledge for improved policy-making. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) serves as a framework for the conference's work, during which various events are organised to integrate marine science into the core of international ocean protection initiatives and efforts. The conference is being held at a crucial time, marking the midpoint of the Decade of Ocean Science, providing an opportunity to assess progress, review the impact of existing initiatives, and accelerate the implementation of desired goals by developing the scientific knowledge needed to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans.
See - Sada Elbalad
09-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Jordanian King Holds High-Level Talks at UN Ocean Conference in France
Nada Mustafa Jordan's King Abdullah II held a series of meetings on Sunday with world leaders and heads of delegations participating in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, which officially begins Monday in the city of Nice, France. According to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Abdullah II stressed the urgent need to intensify international efforts to achieve a comprehensive de-escalation, starting with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the facilitation of humanitarian aid access, and the end of the dangerous escalation in the West Bank. Moreover, Jordanian King met with President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Jordan and the respective countries, and expanding cooperation in various fields. The meetings also addressed mechanisms for enhancing international cooperation in protecting the environment and natural resources, and tackling global environmental challenges, key elements in advancing sustainable development goals regionally and globally. All sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination on shared issues of concern in a way that supports global peace and stability. The meetings were attended by Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
