Source: The post UN conference offers hope for ocean protection has been created, based on the article “Third UN Ocean Conference: Opportunity to build consensus” published in “Indian Express” on 28 April 2025. UN conference offers hope for ocean protection.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: India’s vast coastline makes the ocean crucial for its economy, environment, and daily life. As threats to ocean health grow, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) offers a vital chance to promote global action for conservation and sustainable use.
Importance of the Ocean for Humanity and India
- The Ocean as a Shared Resource: The ocean feeds and protects people worldwide. It enables trade, sustainable energy, and scientific discovery. India’s Vision 2030 recognises the blue economy as a key growth pillar.
- Serious Threats to Ocean Health: The ocean faces plastic pollution, overfishing, acidification, rising sea levels, and ecosystem destruction. Every year, over eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. More than one-third of fish stocks are overexploited.
- Need for Immediate Multilateral Action: Without strong collective efforts, the damage to the ocean will intensify, endangering food security, economies, and the environment.
UNOC3: A Critical Opportunity
- Global Collaboration for Ocean Protection: Around 100 heads of states, researchers, economic leaders, activists, and citizens will gather to drive collective commitments for protecting the ocean.
- Learning from Climate Efforts: UNOC3, hosted by France and Costa Rica, aims to create the “Nice Ocean Agreements,” offering a binding framework like the Paris Agreement, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Action-Oriented Discussions: The conference will focus on operational outcomes in governance, financing, and knowledge, instead of vague declarations.
Strengthening Ocean Governance
- Urgency of Legal Frameworks: More than 60% of the ocean lies beyond national jurisdiction and remains unregulated. This leads to pollution, illegal fishing, and the exploitation of endangered species.
- Ending the High Seas Legal Gap: Without surveillance and common rules, the high seas suffer unchecked damage. Ratifying the BBNJ Agreement by 60 countries is essential to bring it into force.
- Significance of the BBNJ Agreement: The Agreement under the UN Convention will establish rules for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national boundaries.
Financing and Sustainable Blue Economy
- Need for Increased Investments: Ocean protection requires greater public and private financing. New commitments in shipping, tourism, trade, and investments will be announced at Nice.
- Regenerating Marine Resources: A healthy blue economy depends on allowing marine ecosystems to renew themselves naturally.
- Balancing Growth and Conservation: Economic use of the ocean must be matched by strong conservation strategies to secure future benefits.
Enhancing Ocean Knowledge and Public Awareness
- Closing Knowledge Gaps: Despite mapping the Moon and Mars, Earth’s ocean depths remain largely unexplored. Scientific research, innovation, and education must be prioritised.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: France will organise “We are the Ocean” festivals in Delhi, Chennai, Puducherry, and Goa to engage citizens through exhibitions, films, workshops, and discussions.
- India’s Role at UNOC3: “Blue Talks” in Delhi will bring Indian researchers and institutions together to present India’s recommendations for the conference.
Conclusion
The ocean is a universal bond and a shared responsibility. UNOC3 can mark a turning point for ocean conservation, securing a healthier future for the planet and future generations.
Question for practice:
Examine how the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) aims to address the growing threats to ocean health.
