Latest news with #OlivierPoivred'Arvor
LeMonde
15-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
UNOC: Away from Trump, world leaders make progress on key ocean issues
The sound of foghorns and a simple file marked the end of five days of talks among 175 countries. In Nice's old port on Friday, June 13, boats sounded as Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France's ambassador for the poles and maritime issues, presented one of the final documents of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), simply titled the "Nice Ocean Action Plan." In a year dominated by the predatory ambitions of Donald Trump, the document has been bolstered by a declaration in which countries reaffirmed their "strong commitment to conserve and sustainably use" the ocean, "adversely affected by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution." These broad principles do not capture the full scope of the event. Unlike some United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP), UNOC was not intended to produce a new global target. Instead, the summit accelerated ongoing multilateral processes and solidified new alliances. Thanks to this spotlight, the high seas treaty is expected to reach 60 ratifications in the coming months, 37 countries have lined up behind a moratorium on deep-sea mining, and many nations have pledged to increase both the number and size of their marine protected areas.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Agreement in place as nations advance ocean protection, vow to defend seabed
NICE, France (AFP): A global oceans summit wrapped up Friday with world leaders taking major steps toward marine protection and vowing a showdown when nations meet to negotiate rules for deep-sea mining next month. But as a cacophony of ship foghorns sounded the close of the UN Ocean Conference in France, a lack of funding pledges and the total omission of fossil fuels disappointed some observers. The summit was just the third -- and largest yet -- dedicated entirely to what the United Nations calls an "emergency" in the world's oceans. More than 60 heads of state and government joined thousands of business leaders, scientists and environmental campaigners over five days in the southern city of Nice. - Treaty tide - There was unanimous praise for efforts to ratify the high seas treaty designed to protect marine life in the 60 percent of oceans that lie beyond national waters. Some 19 countries formally ratified the pact at Nice, taking the overall tally to 50 -- but 60 nations are needed to bring the treaty into force. France's oceans envoy, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, said the numbers would be reached by September and the treaty should take effect by January, 2026. Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, welcomed the "incredible progress" but urged "all remaining nations to ratify without delay". The summit sought a collective lift for oceans even as countries brace for tough talks over deep-sea mining in July and a plastic pollution treaty in August. More than 90 ministers called in Nice for the treaty to enshrine limits on plastic production -- something fiercely opposed by oil-producing nations. The summit also rallied behind a defence of science and rules-based oversight of common resources -- most notably the unknown depths of the oceans -- in a direct rebuke of US President Donald Trump. Trump was not present in Nice and rarely mentioned by name, but his shadow loomed as leaders thundered against his unilateral push to mine the ocean floor for nickel and minerals. A member of Ocean Rebellion dressed in a costume of France's President Emmanuel Macron with banded eyes stands on the beach along the Promenade des Anglais on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), in the French Riviera city of Nice, on June 10, 2025. -- Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP - Seabed row - France and like-minded countries vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea exploration at negotiations over a mining code at the International Seabed Authority next month, said Poivre d'Arvor. "Nobody knows what is there in the deep sea... you cannot launch recklessly down this path," he said in a closing address. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged caution, warning against turning the deep sea into "the wild west". Leaders "made it unmistakably clear: deep-sea mining is one of the biggest threats facing our ocean, and the world is saying no", said Sofia Tsenikli from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. But for all the rhetoric, a global alliance opposed to deep-sea mining only attracted four new members at Nice, rising to 37 nations. - Missing billions - Greece, Samoa and Colombia were among 14 nations who unveiled plans for vast new marine protected areas, taking the share of the world's oceans under conservation to more than 10 percent. Some also announced restrictions on bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method captured in grisly detail in a new David Attenborough documentary. Activists had pushed for a total ban on this kind of trawling, which uses heavy weighted nets dragged across the ocean floor. Developing nations hoping their larger and wealthier counterparts would open the chequebook in Nice were disappointed. Small island nations in particular have long complained they lack the finances required to build seawalls against rising tides and protect their waters from illegal fishers. While private donors pledged around 8.7 billion euros ($10 billion) over the next five years, the UN says $175 billion a year is needed for sustainable ocean development. Fossil fuels -- the main driver of climate change, ocean warming and the acidification of the seas -- were notably absent for a summit dedicated to marine protection. "Ignoring the imperative of phasing out offshore oil and gas is not just an injustice: it is inadmissible," said Bruna Campos from the Center for International Environmental Law. The summit closed with the unanimous adoption of a political statement, negotiated over many months, that contained no mention of coal, oil and gas. "We must all reckon with the reality that you cannot protect the ocean without confronting the biggest root cause bringing it to the breaking point," former US special climate envoy John Kerry said in a statement. - AFP
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Nations advance ocean protection, vow to defend seabed
Representative image NICE: A global oceans summit wrapped up Friday with world leaders taking major steps toward marine protection and vowing a showdown when nations meet to negotiate rules for deep-sea mining next month. But as a cacophony of ship foghorns sounded the close of the UN Ocean Conference in France, a lack of funding pledges and the total omission of fossil fuels disappointed some observers. The summit was just the third -- and largest yet -- dedicated entirely to what the United Nations calls an "emergency" in the world's oceans. More than 60 heads of state and government joined thousands of business leaders, scientists and environmental campaigners over five days in the southern city of Nice. Treaty tide There was unanimous praise for efforts to ratify the high seas treaty designed to protect marine life in the 60 percent of oceans that lie beyond national waters. Some 19 countries formally ratified the pact at Nice, taking the overall tally to 50 -- but 60 nations are needed to bring the treaty into force. France's oceans envoy, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, said the numbers would be reached by September and the treaty should take effect by January, 2026. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade gold CFDs with a trusted broker | Open an account today. IC Markets Sign Up Undo Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, welcomed the "incredible progress" but urged "all remaining nations to ratify without delay". The summit sought a collective lift for oceans even as countries brace for tough talks over deep-sea mining in July and a plastic pollution treaty in August. More than 90 ministers called in Nice for the treaty to enshrine limits on plastic production -- something fiercely opposed by oil-producing nations. The summit also rallied behind a defence of science and rules-based oversight of common resources -- most notably the unknown depths of the oceans -- in a direct rebuke of US President Donald Trump. Trump was not present in Nice and rarely mentioned by name, but his shadow loomed as leaders thundered against his unilateral push to mine the ocean floor for nickel and minerals. Seabed row France and like-minded countries vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea exploration at negotiations over a mining code at the International Seabed Authority next month, said Poivre d'Arvor. "Nobody knows what is there in the deep sea... you cannot launch recklessly down this path," he said in a closing address. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged caution, warning against turning the deep sea into "the wild west". Leaders "made it unmistakably clear: deep-sea mining is one of the biggest threats facing our ocean, and the world is saying no", said Sofia Tsenikli from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. But for all the rhetoric, a global alliance opposed to deep-sea mining only attracted four new members at Nice, rising to 37 nations. Missing billions Greece, Samoa and Colombia were among 14 nations who unveiled plans for vast new marine protected areas, taking the share of the world's oceans under conservation to more than 10 percent. Some also announced restrictions on bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method captured in grisly detail in a new David Attenborough documentary. Activists had pushed for a total ban on this kind of trawling, which uses heavy weighted nets dragged across the ocean floor. Developing nations hoping their larger and wealthier counterparts would open the chequebook in Nice were disappointed. Small island nations in particular have long complained they lack the finances required to build seawalls against rising tides and protect their waters from illegal fishers. While private donors pledged around 8.7 billion euros ($10 billion) over the next five years, the UN says $175 billion a year is needed for sustainable ocean development. Fossil fuels -- the main driver of climate change, ocean warming and the acidification of the seas -- were notably absent for a summit dedicated to marine protection. "Ignoring the imperative of phasing out offshore oil and gas is not just an injustice: it is inadmissible," said Bruna Campos from the Center for International Environmental Law. The summit closed with the unanimous adoption of a political statement, negotiated over many months, that contained no mention of coal, oil and gas. "We must all reckon with the reality that you cannot protect the ocean without confronting the biggest root cause bringing it to the breaking point," former US special climate envoy John Kerry said in a statement.
GMA Network
13-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Nations advance ocean protection, vow to defend seabed
NICE, France - A global oceans summit wrapped up Friday with world leaders taking major steps toward marine protection and vowing a showdown when nations meet to negotiate rules for deep-sea mining next month. But as a cacophony of ship foghorns sounded the close of the UN Ocean Conference in France, a lack of funding pledges and the total omission of fossil fuels disappointed some observers. The summit was just the third -- and largest yet -- dedicated entirely to what the United Nations calls an "emergency" in the world's oceans. More than 60 heads of state and government joined thousands of business leaders, scientists and environmental campaigners over five days in the southern city of Nice. Treaty tide There was unanimous praise for efforts to ratify the high seas treaty designed to protect marine life in the 60 percent of oceans that lie beyond national waters. Some 19 countries formally ratified the pact at Nice, taking the overall tally to 50 -- but 60 nations are needed to bring the treaty into force. France's oceans envoy, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, said the numbers would be reached by September and the treaty should take effect by January, 2026. Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, welcomed the "incredible progress" but urged "all remaining nations to ratify without delay". The summit sought a collective lift for oceans even as countries brace for tough talks over deep-sea mining in July and a plastic pollution treaty in August. More than 90 ministers called in Nice for the treaty to enshrine limits on plastic production -- something fiercely opposed by oil-producing nations. The summit also rallied behind a defense of science and rules-based oversight of common resources -- most notably the unknown depths of the oceans -- in a direct rebuke of US President Donald Trump. Trump was not present in Nice and rarely mentioned by name, but his shadow loomed as leaders thundered against his unilateral push to mine the ocean floor for nickel and minerals. Seabed row France and like-minded countries vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea exploration at negotiations over a mining code at the International Seabed Authority next month, said Poivre d'Arvor. "Nobody knows what is there in the deep sea... you cannot launch recklessly down this path," he said in a closing address. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged caution, warning against turning the deep sea into "the wild west". Leaders "made it unmistakably clear: deep-sea mining is one of the biggest threats facing our ocean, and the world is saying no", said Sofia Tsenikli from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. But for all the rhetoric, a global alliance opposed to deep-sea mining only attracted four new members at Nice, rising to 37 nations. Missing billions Greece, Samoa and Colombia were among 14 nations who unveiled plans for vast new marine protected areas, taking the share of the world's oceans under conservation to more than 10 percent. Some also announced restrictions on bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method captured in grisly detail in a new David Attenborough documentary. Activists had pushed for a total ban on this kind of trawling, which uses heavy weighted nets dragged across the ocean floor. Developing nations hoping their larger and wealthier counterparts would open the checkbook in Nice were disappointed. Small island nations in particular have long complained they lack the finances required to build seawalls against rising tides and protect their waters from illegal fishers. While private donors pledged around 8.7 billion euros ($10 billion) over the next five years, the UN says $175 billion a year is needed for sustainable ocean development. Fossil fuels -- the main driver of climate change, ocean warming and the acidification of the seas -- were notably absent for a summit dedicated to marine protection. "Ignoring the imperative of phasing out offshore oil and gas is not just an injustice: it is inadmissible," said Bruna Campos from the Center for International Environmental Law. The summit closed with the unanimous adoption of a political statement, negotiated over many months, that contained no mention of coal, oil and gas. "We must all reckon with the reality that you cannot protect the ocean without confronting the biggest root cause bringing it to the breaking point," former US special climate envoy John Kerry said in a statement. —Agence France-Presse
LeMonde
09-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
At Nice's UN Ocean Conference, the international community is rallying to save the seas
In 1952, Anita Conti set sail from Fécamp in northern France with Newfoundland fishermen aboard the trawler BOIS-ROSÉ. In her major work, Racleurs d'océans (Ocean Scrapers), the oceanography pioneer chronicled the daily lives of sailors, already describing the deep blue as a "vulnerable" mass, "plundered in a savage manner" − a giant that "can no longer defend itself." 73 years later, will the 56 heads of state or government gathering in Nice, southern France, from June 9 to 13 for the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) find a way forward to better protect the liquid heart of the blue planet? "This is a summit of combat, with countries that believe in it and want to commit, a summit that allows island countries to make their voices heard and that involves scientists," said Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron for the conference. "An ocean without rules is a planet without a future." The UNOC is opening with a clear statement: The ocean is suffering. It has been battered by global warming, which acidified the seas and disrupted ecosystems. Its biodiversity has suffered from pollution originating on land – plastic, antibiotics and pesticides inevitably end up flowing into the ocean. Fishing − both legal and illegal − has put it under further pressure. The ocean also faces threats from the predatory ambitions of major powers, especially Vladimir Putin's Russia and Donald Trump's United States, which seek to exploit the seabed. Gathered from June 3 to 6 at the One Ocean Science Congress, scientists from around the world once again warned governments. "Ecosystems are malfunctioning – we're seeing some populations explode while others suddenly vanish," said Didier Gascuel, a marine biology specialist. "All the indicators are deteriorating," added Marina Lévy, ocean adviser to the president of the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development.
