Latest news with #OneOceanScienceCongress
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Aims To Transform Urgency Into Action At Nice Ocean Conference
27 May 2025 The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) from 9-13 June will bring together Heads of State, scientists, civil society and business leaders around a single goal: to halt the silent collapse of the planet's largest – and arguably most vital – ecosystem. The ocean is suffocating due to rising temperatures, rampant acidification, erosion of biodiversity, plastic invasion, predatory fishing. 'A state of emergency' ' Our planet's life support system is in a state of emergency,' said Li Junhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Secretary-General of the upcoming summit. He insisted that there is still time to change course. ' The future of the ocean is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the decisions and actions that we are making now,' Mr. Li said on Tuesday during a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. In the eyes of the senior official, UNOC 3 'will not be just another routine gathering.' 'We hope that it proves to be the pivotal opportunity to accelerate action and mobilize all stakeholders across the sectors and borders.' World-class conference More than 50 world leaders are expected on the Côte d'Azur, alongside 1,500 delegates from nearly 200 countries. The programme includes 10 plenary meetings, 10 thematic roundtables, a blue zone reserved for official delegations, and a series of parallel forums during five days of negotiations. For France, which is co-hosting the conference alongside Costa Rica, the challenge is clear: to make Nice a historic milestone. 'This is an emergency,' declared Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the UN, during the press conference. 'An ecological emergency: we are witnessing the deterioration of the quality of the oceans as an environment, as a reservoir of biodiversity, as a carbon sink.' France hopes to make the conference a turning point and the goal 'is to produce a Nice agreement that is pro-oceans, as the Paris Agreement 10 years ago now was for the climate.' This agreement will take the form of a Nice Action Plan for the Ocean, a 'concise action-oriented declaration,' according to Mr. Li, accompanied by renewed voluntary commitments. Three milestones Three events will prepare the ground for UNOC 3. The One Ocean Science Congress, from 4-6 June, will bring together several thousand researchers. The Summit on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience to be held the following day will explore responses to rising sea levels. Finally, the Blue Economy Finance Forum, on 7-8 June in Monaco, will mobilize investors and policymakers. For Costa Rican Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde, there is no more time for procrastination. ' We're expecting concrete commitments with clear timelines, budgets and accountability mechanisms. What is different this time around, zero rhetoric, maximum results,' she said. 'Transform ambition into action' The conference's theme Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Stakeholders to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean will address several topics, ranging from sustainable fishing to marine pollution and the interactions between climate and biodiversity. ' This is our moment to transform ambition into action,' Mr. Li concluded, calling for governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society to come together in a common spirit. He also praised the 'visionary leadership' of France and Costa Rica, without whom this large-scale mobilization would not have been possible. A slogan promoted by Costa Rica seems to sum up the spirit of the summit: 'Five days. One ocean. One unique opportunity.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Hopes For UN Ocean Conference
Press Release – Science Media Centre Next weeks One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. The third UN Ocean Conference in France next month will focus on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Member states are expected to adopt a political declaration, ' Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action ', highlighting a need for 'significant and accessible' funding. Next week's One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. Linda Faulkner (Ngāti Rangi, Whanganui), Natural Sciences Commissioner for the NZ National Commission for UNESCO and member of the advisory board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, comments: 'Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation that sits within the world's largest and deepest ocean basin spanning subtropical to subpolar latitudes; is home to some of the world's most unique biodiversity; is the seabird capital of the world; and is a marine mammal hotspot. It is also the backdrop to a unique ancestral past steeped in a relationship with the ocean that is as vast and varied as Te Moananui-a-Kiwa – the Pacific Ocean. 'The NZ National Commission for UNESCO has been engaging with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development since its inception, looking to bring a uniquely New Zealand perspective, contribution and value to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14. 'As Natural Sciences Commissioner I'm delighted to be supporting and co-facilitating a global indigenous dialogue session of representatives who will be meeting at the UN Oceans Conference in June to explore the contribution indigenous knowledge, woven alongside modern science, can make to the future of the health and wellbeing of our oceans, and therefore our communities from the local to global scales. We'll be focussing on opportunities and actions in the final five years of the UN Ocean Decade, with a view to identifying what success looks like, and what legacy we'd like to see beyond the Decade.' Conflict of interest statement: No conflicts of interest. Linda is also Pou Whakarae Te Hiringa Taiao – Chief Scientist Māori Environmental Research at NIWA but is not commenting in that role. Simon Thrush, Professor of Marine Ecology, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland/Waipapa Taumata Rau, comments: 'Preliminary documentation for the conference recognises the urgent need to address the biodiversity and climate crisis, while gaining benefits from the Ocean. There is one ocean, and we all rely on it. The ocean is not too big to fail, and it is not too big to fix. 'These are not new issues, and evidence of worrying signs in the state of our ocean have been reported in all marine ecosystems. Critical to the success of action is recognition of the feedbacks between governance and ecosystem where the slow speed of management action can itself drive environmental tipping points. 'The conference can build on a rising swell of acknowledgement of the need to change. The G7 2030 Nature Compact (signed by G7 leaders) recognizes the importance of focus on nature positive actions and calls for urgent, system-wide change. With over half the world's GDP ($US 44,000,000,000) moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, this conference needs to take the next step.'What I hope to see emerge from the conference is more than a commitment to change – it's rapid and transformative action to restore nature alongside nature-people relationships. Good things can happen. For example, the BBNJ treaty (2023) for the High Seas has progressed Marine Protected Areas beyond national boundaries. 'Transformative change needs to be just and inclusive and to show a vision of life-supporting futures for all. An expanded investment in marine science, especially in biodiversity hot spots and oceanic regions, is needed to close critical knowledge gaps. 'In Aotearoa-New Zealand we have dragged the chain for too long. I hope our nation transitions into an exemplar of positive actions for our Exclusive Economic Zone and the high seas – and becomes an agent of change to assist the large ocean states of the Pacific and Antarctica.' Conflicts of interest: None declared. Professor Conrad Pilditch, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Auckland, comments: 'The upcoming UN Ocean Congress in Nice will focus on supporting and implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14 – the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. 'This focus is long overdue with many of the World's marine ecosystems including in New Zealand suffering from the impacts of global heating, ocean acidification, overfishing and pollutants. The ocean biodiversity and the climate crisis are linked and to improve ocean health we need to transition to an ecosystem-based management approach that recognises the inter-connections and dependencies among the ecological and social ecosystems. We also need to transition to a true-blue economy, one where our activities in the ocean enhance nature and not degrade it. 'My hope for the meeting outcomes is that we not only have a high level of ambition with measurable targets and timelines for reducing key stressors and greatly expanding marine protection, but this is followed by immediate action. 'It is a challenging time for ocean governance in the high seas with international rules-based order shifting and international cooperation facing challenges. However, there are reasons for hope with the BBNJ (2023) bucking the trend with States agreeing on the process for High Seas marine protected areas. I would also want to see expanded investment in ocean science to close critical knowledge gaps and provide a basis for new blue economies.' No conflicts of interest. Professor Trisia Farrelly, Senior Research Scientist, Cawthron Institute and Coordinator of Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, comments: 'I'm attending the 2025 UN Ocean Conference with the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty to champion a science-based, legally binding global agreement that addresses plastic pollution across its full life cycle. 'Our objective is to ensure the treaty is grounded in independent evidence, protects human and environmental health, and prioritises justice for frontline, fence line, and Indigenous communities, including those in the Pacific who are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution.' No conflicts of interest. Dr Cath McLeod, Chief Science Officer, Cawthron Institute, comments: 'Cawthron Institute is attending the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress to share our insights and strengthen global collaboration on ocean health and sustainable food systems. 'We're proud to represent Aotearoa New Zealand's leadership in marine research and innovation at this critical international forum, with a particular focus on supporting Pacific-led science and elevating Indigenous knowledge. This is an important opportunity to build partnerships that support resilient ecosystems, climate adaptation, and blue economy growth across our region.' No conflicts of interest. Associate Professor Xavier Pochon, Molecular Surveillance Team Leader, Cawthron Institute and Science Leader for Citizens of the Sea, comments: 'It's a privilege to represent Cawthron and Citizens of the Sea at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and the One Ocean Science Congress in France this June to amplify community voices in global ocean governance. 'Cawthron Institute co-founded Citizens of the Sea because we believe people must be at the heart of ocean protection — from scientists and fishers to youth and Indigenous leaders — and this is a vital opportunity to highlight citizen-led action, foster knowledge exchange, and promote ocean stewardship across all levels of society.'
Scoop
4 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Hopes For UN Ocean Conference
Press Release – Science Media Centre Next weeks One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. The third UN Ocean Conference in France next month will focus on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Member states are expected to adopt a political declaration, ' Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action ', highlighting a need for 'significant and accessible' funding. Next week's One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. Linda Faulkner (Ngāti Rangi, Whanganui), Natural Sciences Commissioner for the NZ National Commission for UNESCO and member of the advisory board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, comments: 'Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation that sits within the world's largest and deepest ocean basin spanning subtropical to subpolar latitudes; is home to some of the world's most unique biodiversity; is the seabird capital of the world; and is a marine mammal hotspot. It is also the backdrop to a unique ancestral past steeped in a relationship with the ocean that is as vast and varied as Te Moananui-a-Kiwa – the Pacific Ocean. 'The NZ National Commission for UNESCO has been engaging with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development since its inception, looking to bring a uniquely New Zealand perspective, contribution and value to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14. 'As Natural Sciences Commissioner I'm delighted to be supporting and co-facilitating a global indigenous dialogue session of representatives who will be meeting at the UN Oceans Conference in June to explore the contribution indigenous knowledge, woven alongside modern science, can make to the future of the health and wellbeing of our oceans, and therefore our communities from the local to global scales. We'll be focussing on opportunities and actions in the final five years of the UN Ocean Decade, with a view to identifying what success looks like, and what legacy we'd like to see beyond the Decade.' Conflict of interest statement: No conflicts of interest. Linda is also Pou Whakarae Te Hiringa Taiao – Chief Scientist Māori Environmental Research at NIWA but is not commenting in that role. Simon Thrush, Professor of Marine Ecology, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland/Waipapa Taumata Rau, comments: 'Preliminary documentation for the conference recognises the urgent need to address the biodiversity and climate crisis, while gaining benefits from the Ocean. There is one ocean, and we all rely on it. The ocean is not too big to fail, and it is not too big to fix. 'These are not new issues, and evidence of worrying signs in the state of our ocean have been reported in all marine ecosystems. Critical to the success of action is recognition of the feedbacks between governance and ecosystem where the slow speed of management action can itself drive environmental tipping points. 'The conference can build on a rising swell of acknowledgement of the need to change. The G7 2030 Nature Compact (signed by G7 leaders) recognizes the importance of focus on nature positive actions and calls for urgent, system-wide change. With over half the world's GDP ($US 44,000,000,000) moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, this conference needs to take the next step.'What I hope to see emerge from the conference is more than a commitment to change – it's rapid and transformative action to restore nature alongside nature-people relationships. Good things can happen. For example, the BBNJ treaty (2023) for the High Seas has progressed Marine Protected Areas beyond national boundaries. 'Transformative change needs to be just and inclusive and to show a vision of life-supporting futures for all. An expanded investment in marine science, especially in biodiversity hot spots and oceanic regions, is needed to close critical knowledge gaps. 'In Aotearoa-New Zealand we have dragged the chain for too long. I hope our nation transitions into an exemplar of positive actions for our Exclusive Economic Zone and the high seas – and becomes an agent of change to assist the large ocean states of the Pacific and Antarctica.' Conflicts of interest: None declared. Professor Conrad Pilditch, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Auckland, comments: 'The upcoming UN Ocean Congress in Nice will focus on supporting and implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14 – the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. 'This focus is long overdue with many of the World's marine ecosystems including in New Zealand suffering from the impacts of global heating, ocean acidification, overfishing and pollutants. The ocean biodiversity and the climate crisis are linked and to improve ocean health we need to transition to an ecosystem-based management approach that recognises the inter-connections and dependencies among the ecological and social ecosystems. We also need to transition to a true-blue economy, one where our activities in the ocean enhance nature and not degrade it. 'My hope for the meeting outcomes is that we not only have a high level of ambition with measurable targets and timelines for reducing key stressors and greatly expanding marine protection, but this is followed by immediate action. 'It is a challenging time for ocean governance in the high seas with international rules-based order shifting and international cooperation facing challenges. However, there are reasons for hope with the BBNJ (2023) bucking the trend with States agreeing on the process for High Seas marine protected areas. I would also want to see expanded investment in ocean science to close critical knowledge gaps and provide a basis for new blue economies.' No conflicts of interest. Professor Trisia Farrelly, Senior Research Scientist, Cawthron Institute and Coordinator of Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, comments: 'I'm attending the 2025 UN Ocean Conference with the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty to champion a science-based, legally binding global agreement that addresses plastic pollution across its full life cycle. 'Our objective is to ensure the treaty is grounded in independent evidence, protects human and environmental health, and prioritises justice for frontline, fence line, and Indigenous communities, including those in the Pacific who are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution.' No conflicts of interest. Dr Cath McLeod, Chief Science Officer, Cawthron Institute, comments: 'Cawthron Institute is attending the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress to share our insights and strengthen global collaboration on ocean health and sustainable food systems. 'We're proud to represent Aotearoa New Zealand's leadership in marine research and innovation at this critical international forum, with a particular focus on supporting Pacific-led science and elevating Indigenous knowledge. This is an important opportunity to build partnerships that support resilient ecosystems, climate adaptation, and blue economy growth across our region.' No conflicts of interest. Associate Professor Xavier Pochon, Molecular Surveillance Team Leader, Cawthron Institute and Science Leader for Citizens of the Sea, comments: 'It's a privilege to represent Cawthron and Citizens of the Sea at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and the One Ocean Science Congress in France this June to amplify community voices in global ocean governance. 'Cawthron Institute co-founded Citizens of the Sea because we believe people must be at the heart of ocean protection — from scientists and fishers to youth and Indigenous leaders — and this is a vital opportunity to highlight citizen-led action, foster knowledge exchange, and promote ocean stewardship across all levels of society.'
