Transforming Promises into Action: Highlights from the UN Ocean Conference in France

The third United Nations Ocean Conference kicks off in Nice, and there’s a growing urgency for countries to transform promises into true ocean protection. Currently, only 2.7% of the ocean is effectively safeguarded from harmful activities, far below the goal of conserving 30% by 2030.

At the forefront is the High Seas Treaty, approved in 2023, which would allow nations to create marine protected areas in international waters—areas that make up two-thirds of the ocean and often lack governance. Mauro Randone from the World Wildlife Fund emphasizes the need for rules in these "Wild West" waters, noting that while these areas belong to everyone, they also suffer from a lack of order.

The ocean plays a crucial role in our climate system. It produces half of our oxygen, absorbs much of the carbon dioxide we emit, and captures excess heat. A healthy ocean is key to reaching climate goals.

For the treaty to take effect, 60 countries must ratify it. As of now, only 32 have done so. There’s hope that this conference will push more countries to commit. Minna Epps from the International Union for Conservation of Nature highlights that two-thirds of the ocean falls outside national jurisdiction. If we want to protect 30% of the ocean, the high seas must be included.

Despite notable support from countries like South Korea, France, and the European Union, many major ocean nations have yet to ratify the treaty. Thousands are expected to attend the conference, from government officials to scientists. Notably, the U.S. has not confirmed its participation.

While some nations declare marine areas protected, many fall short. For instance, France claims to have surpassed the 30% threshold, yet environmentalists argue that only 3% of its waters are genuinely protected. In 2024, over 100 bottom trawlers were recorded fishing in French marine parks, sparking criticism. Enric Sala from National Geographic points out that many of these declarations are merely "political box-ticking."

According to a recent report from the World Wildlife Fund, only 2% of EU waters have effective management plans. France’s Office for Biodiversity acknowledges the challenges but insists that their phased approach to protections will strengthen over time.

Some protected areas, like Port-Cros National Park in France, showcase what effective conservation can achieve. Biodiversity thrives there due to strict regulations. Hubert Flavigny from the Mio Palmo dive center notes that species in Port-Cros are larger and more abundant than in less-protected regions.

Industrial fishing often fights against stricter rules, despite evidence suggesting that well-managed reserves actually benefit overall fish stocks. Sala argues that the fishing industry’s biggest threat comes from overfishing itself.

Frustrated with the slow pace of change, environmental organizations like Greenpeace are taking action. Recently, they dropped boulders into France’s Golfe du Lion to prevent bottom trawling in a region meant for protection. Despite its protected status, the area remains heavily fished.

The conference will host discussions on various topics, including sustainable fisheries and plastic pollution. The outcome will contribute to the Nice Ocean Action Plan, to be presented at the United Nations in New York this July.

Peter Thomson, the U.N. special envoy for the ocean, sums it up well: "There cannot be a healthy planet without a healthy ocean." The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.

For more information on ocean conservation, visit AP News.

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Minna Epps,environment,Climate,Fabien Boileau,Mauro Randone,Hubert Flavigny,Annika Hammerschlag,Peter Thomson,World news