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Korea Herald

21-05-2025

Politics
Korea Herald

[Contribution] 'We are the ocean'

Ambassador of France to the Republic of Korea From June 9-13, France will co-host, with Costa Rica, the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). For this crucial event, around 100 heads of state and government will converge in Nice, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France's aim will be clear: protecting the ocean through tangible action. The ocean is our common good. It feeds and protects our people. It provides us with sustainable energy, trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the ocean for their livelihood, yet the ocean is in danger. It's an area that is still largely unknown, and lacks the global governance and funding necessary for its preservation. More than 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, according to a study published in the journal Science. Moreover, more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change. We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the ocean. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The 'Nice Ocean Agreements' can form an international pact for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To this end, the talks in Nice need to be operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, further financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas are currently the only area not governed by international law, causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the capture of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force. The ratification by the Republic of Korea of this crucial agreement in March 2025 is an important step in this direction as well as a vibrant political statement, as the Republic of Korea aims to co-chair UNOC4 in 2028. The protection of the ocean also requires public and private financing, and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the ocean, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. Lastly, how can we protect something that we do not — or insufficiently — know? We need to enhance our knowledge of the ocean and disseminate it more effectively. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the ocean — which covers 70 percent of Earth's surface — remain unknown. Together, let's mobilize science, innovation and education to better understand the ocean and raise public awareness. In the context of ever-faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the ocean is not an issue like any other. It's everyone's business. In a context in which multilateralism is being challenged, we must not forget our shared responsibility. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a major turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

Newsweek

21-05-2025

Politics
Newsweek

We Are the Oceans

The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources, and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet they remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The dangers they face are great and can be seen in the worrying numbers: more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science; more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing; while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace—direct consequences of climate change. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans. Santo Amaro de Oeiras beach is covered by sea foam after the passage of Storm Martinho in Oeiras, Portugal, on March 20. Santo Amaro de Oeiras beach is covered by sea foam after the passage of Storm Martinho in Oeiras, Portugal, on March 20. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images France will be hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development June 9 to Jun 13. For this crucial event, some 100 heads of state and government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, people of business and finance, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France's aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, this UNOC, in Nice, offers a historic opportunity. The "Nice Ocean Agreements" will form an international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To make this work, the talks in Nice need to be action-focused and practical, not pie in the sky, but rather aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 percent of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to come into force. To achieve that, it must be ratified by 60 countries. The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. Lastly, how can we protect what we don't know or understand sufficiently? We must enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans—which cover 70 percent of Earth's surface—remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness. The oceans are not just one more issue of environmental concern: they are everyone's business. Even as multilateralism becomes more challenging, we must not forget our shared responsibility. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Only Together, can we make the third UNOC a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet. This conference is not about things that are far in the future or far from American shores. It is important to remember that the United States has the world's largest maritime space. Through various scientific agencies, it produces highly valued knowledge for better understanding the oceans. Some U.S. companies are at the forefront of an innovative and sustainable blue economy and the US administration aims to revitalize its domestic maritime industries. The Ocean Caucuses in the Senate and the House are both bipartisan, a reminder that the challenges and opportunities of the oceans unite us all. We look forward to welcome U.S. stake holders in Nice for that historical Summit. Laurent Bili is the ambassador of France in the United States. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.

How to realise the opportunities for small island developing states under the BBNJ Agreement

Economist

20-05-2025

General
Economist

How to realise the opportunities for small island developing states under the BBNJ Agreement

The UN's Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the 'high-seas treaty', provides a framework for equitable access to, and sustainable management of, marine resources in areas of the ocean beyond national territory. As significant stakeholders, small island developing states (SIDS) stand to benefit greatly from the agreement. But first they must overcome challenges related to ratification, capacity-building and implementation. Participants at this 'How to' session strategised how to help SIDS maximise the potential of the BBNJ agreement, with a particular focus on the ratification process. Discussions explored how to resolve obstacles preventing broader adoption of the treaty and how to develop incentives or mechanisms that can drive ratification among non-signatory SIDS. The workshop focused on how to transpose the agreement's provisions into national frameworks and how to create capacity-building programmes to support asset-sharing, utilise marine genetic resources efficiently and incorporate environmental impact assessments. The session examined funding models, international partnerships and the integration of traditional knowledge into marine governance. Attendees left with an understanding of the steps needed to encourage the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and unlock its benefits for SIDS. Speakers:

Ministers Commit To Collective Actions For Ocean Sustainability

Scoop

01-05-2025

Business
Scoop

Ministers Commit To Collective Actions For Ocean Sustainability

Issued by the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting Busan, Republic of Korea, 1 May 2025 Ministers from APEC economies gathered in Busan, Republic of Korea, today for the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming their collective commitment to addressing the critical challenges facing the ocean and marine resources in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting marks the resumption of high-level ocean dialogue within APEC after a decade-long gap. In his opening remarks, Korea's Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Kang Do-Hyung, emphasized the importance of the ocean as an essential resource for all APEC economies and its critical role in the economic development of the region. 'The ocean serves as a foundation of life that embraces us all, and it stands as a key resource for our shared future,' said Minister Kang. 'Over the millennia, it has underpinned the delicate balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.' However, Minister Kang added that the ocean is currently facing a range of serious challenges. 'The rising sea temperatures and sea levels, the depletion of fishery resources, and the growing issue of marine debris are threatening not only marine ecosystems but also the sustainability of fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism—resulting in significant economic and social costs,' Minister Kang added. But Minister Kang also shared encouraging facts that even in the face of these crises, the international community continues to make tireless efforts to protect the ocean and ensure a sustainable future. 'The recently adopted BBNJ Agreement has become a historic milestone in preserving marine ecosystems in areas outside the jurisdiction of any economy,' Minister Kang stated, referring to the 2023 agreement under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. 'The international community has set a clear goal of securing ratification by at least 60 economies by June this year and is working together toward that target.' Minister Kang also highlighted other international efforts, such as the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which is recognized for laying the foundation for a more sustainable fisheries sector by limiting harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and IUU fishing. 'APEC, through the Ocean and Fisheries Working Group, has steadily strengthened regional efforts to address a wide range of ocean issues, including combating IUU fishing and reducing marine debris to promote sustainable development in the ocean and fisheries sectors,' Minister Kang added. APEC has developed strategic roadmaps to address critical ocean issues, including marine debris, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. The APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris, endorsed in 2019, emphasizes voluntary and cooperative actions among member economies to reduce marine debris, particularly plastic litter, through policy development, capacity building and sustainable waste management practices. Similarly, the APEC Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing outlines collaborative strategies to prevent and eliminate IUU fishing activities. This includes the development and implementation of economy-wide plans of actions, capacity building and the adoption of port state measures to strengthen enforcement and compliance across the region. In 2022, APEC also adopted the Roadmap on Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture, aimed at promoting the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This roadmap focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers through improved market access, capacity-building, and the promotion of responsible and sustainable practices. These roadmaps serve as frameworks for APEC economies to align their efforts and implement effective measures to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. 'These multifaceted efforts highlight the complexity and severity of the challenges we face. At the same time, they offer hope that even the most difficult ocean-related issues can be addressed through cooperation and innovation,' he continued. 'In this moment where crisis and hope coexist, we have gathered here today to respond collectively to the challenges facing our oceans and to chart a course toward a sustainable future. I sincerely hope that today's discussions will not remain as mere documents or declarations but will be translated into concrete actions and policies by all APEC member economies,' Minister Kang concluded.

Jordan Times

29-04-2025

Politics
Jordan Times

‘We are the ocean'

From June 9-13, France will co-host, with Costa Rica, the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). For this crucial event, around 100 heads of state and government will converge in Nice, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France's aim will be clear: protecting the ocean through tangible action. The ocean is our common good. It feeds and protects our peoples. It makes us dream and travel. It provides us with sustainable energy, trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the ocean for their livelihood, yet the ocean is in danger. It is an area that is still largely unknown, and lacks the global governance and funding necessary for its preservation. The figures are worrying: more than eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, according to a study published in the journal Science. Moreover, more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change. We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the ocean. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The 'Nice Ocean Agreements' can form an international pact for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To this end, the talks in Nice need to be operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, further financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 per cent of the ocean, are currently the only area not governed by international law. The lack of surveillance and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the capture of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force. The protection of the ocean also requires public and private financing, and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the ocean, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. Lastly, how can we protect something that we do not, or insufficiently, know? We need to enhance our knowledge of the ocean and disseminate it more effectively. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the ocean, which covers 70 per cent of Earth's surface, remain unknown. Together, let us mobilise science, innovation and education to better understand the ocean and raise public awareness. In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the ocean is not an issue like any other. It is everyone's business. In a context in which multilateralism is being challenged, we must not forget our shared responsibility. The ocean is a universal bond, crucial for our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a major turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet. France is grateful for Jordan's longstanding commitment on environmental matters and to advance the cause of the preservation of the ocean, as exemplified by the Hashemite Kingdom's staunch action to protect the coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba. We count on Jordan's support to make UNOC3 an important milestone to achieve a sustainable management of the high seas. Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison is the ambassador of France to Jordan