3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNCO3) 2025: A Global Push for Marine Conservation and Sustainable Ocean Management.

The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNCO3) was held from June 9 to 13, 2025 in Nice, France. This high-profile international event brought together governments, scientists, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate global efforts toward marine conservation and the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Background and Context

• The UN Ocean Conferences are convened under the auspices of the United Nations to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.
• The first two conferences were held in New York in 2017 and 2020, focusing on reversing the decline in ocean health and promoting sustainable fisheries.
• UNCO3 aimed to build on previous commitments and mobilize new partnerships, policies, and financing mechanisms to address emerging challenges.

Key Themes and Objectives

1. Marine Biodiversity Protection
   • Strengthening global commitments to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 (the “30×30” target).
   • Promoting marine protected areas (MPAs) and biodiversity hotspots conservation.
2. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
   • Encouraging responsible fishing practices to prevent overexploitation.
   • Supporting small-scale fishers and coastal communities.
3. Ocean Pollution Reduction
   • Tackling marine plastic pollution and chemical contaminants.
   • Enhancing waste management and circular economy approaches.
4. Climate Change and Ocean Resilience
   • Addressing ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level rise.
   • Promoting blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes for carbon sequestration.
5. Science, Technology, and Innovation
   • Leveraging satellite monitoring, AI, and data-sharing to improve ocean governance.
   • Enhancing capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries.
6. Financing and Partnerships
   • Mobilizing public and private finance for ocean conservation projects.
   • Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships including governments, NGOs, and businesses.

India’s Role and Contributions

• India reaffirmed its commitment to SDG 14 through initiatives like the National Marine Fisheries Policy and Blue Economy Mission.
• Highlighted efforts to combat marine pollution, promote sustainable fisheries, and conserve coastal ecosystems.
• Advocated for equitable access to marine resources and technology sharing among developing nations.

Outcomes and Declarations

• Adoption of a Call for Action urging accelerated implementation of SDG 14 targets.
• Commitment to enhance international cooperation on marine scientific research.
• Pledges to increase funding for ocean conservation, especially in vulnerable regions.
• Strengthened frameworks for monitoring and reporting ocean health indicators.

Importance for UPSC and Competitive Exams

• The conference is a key development under Environment and Ecology and International Relations syllabus.
• Understanding SDG 14 and global ocean governance is critical for questions on sustainable development.
• Highlights India’s proactive role in global environmental diplomacy.

Quick Facts