The Significant UN Ocean Conference Kicks Off in France

Nice, France (AP) – A multitude of research and exploration vessels from across the globe set sail on Sunday alongside the French coastal city of Nice as the third United Nations Marine Conference commences in recognition of World Sea Day.

The event, themed “Ocean Wonders,” focuses on the ocean’s beauty and significance, urging global leaders to acknowledge their value as ships glide through Baie des Anges, or Angels Bay in Nice, deliberating the planet’s future.

This week, thousands of representatives, including heads of state, scientists, and environmental advocates, are expected to confront the increasing threats to the ocean and the necessity of moving from promises to action.

The United Nations is declaring a global emergency regarding the threats facing the world’s oceans, including rising temperatures and plastic pollution suffocating marine life and the relentless overexploitation of fish and other resources.

Currently, only 2.7% of the world’s oceans are effectively safeguarded from detrimental activities like industrial fishing and deep-sea mining, significantly below the global aim of 30% by 2030.

Among the participating vessels was the Energy Observer, a catamaran powered by solar panels. This ship produces hydrogen fuel onboard through the electrolysis of seawater, offering a vision for zero-emission maritime travel.

Other notable vessels included the Alfred Merlin of France, focused on underwater archaeology. OceanXplorer is a research yacht owned by a high-tech billionaire, while WWF’s Blue Pandas are working to map and safeguard the last seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea.

Central to the conference is the effort to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which was adopted in 2023. Once effective, the treaty will empower countries to create marine protected areas in international waters covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean, currently largely ungoverned.

“The High Seas Treaty is critical to ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity,” stated Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “We are facing both a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis. Protecting the oceans is essential to address these challenges.”

However, even in designated protected areas, enforcement is often lacking. Several nations, including France, are facing criticism from environmental groups over inadequate regulations and ongoing industrial activities in marine reserves.

“There is a lack of ambition and urgency. The scale isn’t sufficient,” remarked Sílvia Tavares, project manager for the Oceano Azul Foundation. “Events like UNOC are crucial for effecting change.”

Some nations are anticipated to unveil new marine protected areas or reserves during the conference discussions, as well as banning bottom trawls and other harmful practices within existing marine protected area networks.

The “Ocean Wonders” fleet will remain publicly visible until the conference concludes on June 13th.

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Follow Annika Hammerschlag on Instagram @ahammergram.