UN conference offers hope for ocean protection

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Action-Oriented Discussions: The conference will focus on operational outcomes in governance, financing, and knowledge, instead of vague declarations.

Strengthening Ocean Governance

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Regenerating Marine Resources: A healthy blue economy depends on allowing marine ecosystems to renew themselves naturally.
3. 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

1. Closing Knowledge Gaps: Despite mapping the Moon and Mars, Earth’s ocean depths remain largely unexplored. Scientific research, innovation, and education must be prioritised.
2. 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.
3. 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.