From Nice to Ireland: UNOC3 and the Global Momentum for Ocean Protection
From June 9th to 13th, 2025, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) convened in Nice, France, gathering world leaders, scientists, NGOs, Indigenous representatives, youth, and ocean advocates under the urgent banner of safeguarding our ocean. Representing the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) along with Fair Seas, Eva Lambert (Marine policy and advocacy officer) participated in a week of political negotiations, civil society exchanges, and public engagement events that shaped the global ocean agenda. With more than 60 heads of state present, the conference aimed to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and address the mounting threats facing the ocean, from biodiversity loss to the climate crisis.
Photo of the 4 Irish attendees (from left to right): Jack O’Donovan Trá (Fair Seas), Eva Lambert (IWDG), Grace Carr (IWT), Jenny Bortoluzzi (IEN).
Ocean action panel for SDG14 objective in the Blue Zone.
Credits: Eva Lambert
Key Outcomes from UNOC3
- High Seas Treaty (BBNJ): Almost There… The Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) was a major focal point, with 51 countries officially ratifying it by the end of the conference. The treaty, which would unlock the ability to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas, is just 9 ratifications short of the 60 needed for entry into force. This could come as early as 2026. Despite this progress, Ireland has yet to ratify the treaty. This omission stands out, particularly as marine biodiversity is a shared global responsibility, and Ireland must not remain silent.
Presentation and panel discussion of the BBNJ treaty in La Baleine exposition hall.
Credits: Eva Lambert - Deep-Sea Mining: A Strengthening Moratorium Movement, 37 countries now officially support a precautionary pause or moratorium on deep-sea mining. While this signals a growing international consensus, Ireland was not among the vocal supporters. Given Ireland’s stated commitments to ocean sustainability, the absence of a clear position raises concern. As scientists worldwide reiterated during the One Ocean Congress, where uncertainty exists, precaution must prevail.
- New Marine Protected Areas Gorringe Bank (Portugal) was announced as a new MPA, alongside expansions in Mauritius, Senegal, Chile, Denmark, Spain, and French Polynesia. Portugal also committed to expanding national MPA coverage from 13% to 25% by 2030. These announcements underscore a broader commitment to the global 30×30 goal: protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Notably, civil society continues to call for these to be fully and highly protected zones, not just symbolic lines on a map.
- The European Ocean Pact: The launch of the European Ocean Pact marked a strong political declaration aimed at ensuring the long-term health of oceans and seas. Ireland’s engagement with this Pact remains limited. As a maritime nation with rich marine biodiversity and a rapidly expanding blue economy, Ireland must play an active leadership role, not just in rhetoric, but in ratification and implementation.
- Blue Finance and Ocean Investment: UNOC3 also saw important discussions on ocean finance. A total of €8.3 billion in new investment was announced, and the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco presented over €25 billion in blue economy investments mobilised in recent years. However, as highlighted in plenary sessions, we are still far from the $550 billion/year needed to reverse biodiversity loss and meet climate goals. Ireland must seize the opportunity to invest smartly and sustainably in its marine sectors, particularly in community-led marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
- Global Coalition for Sharks and Rays A new Global Coalition to Halt the Extinction of Sharks and Rays was launched, with a focus on habitat protection, sustainable trade, and the creation of a global intergovernmental task force. Ireland, known for its rich shark and ray populations, has a critical role to play in ensuring this initiative translates into actionable policy.
A Personal Reflection: From Overwhelm to Hope
Attending UNOC3 was an intense and emotional experience. Between political plenaries, film screenings, panel discussions, and spontaneous conversations in the corridors of “La Baleine” exhibition zone, the week offered a cascade of information and ideas.
Screening and panel discussion of “Ocean storytelling in action” in La Baleine exposition hall.
Credits: Eva Lambert
There were moments of disappointment, particularly in the lack of ambition from some Global North governments. But there were also countless sparks of hope: Indigenous leaders sharing ancestral wisdom, youth demanding accountability, and coastal communities showcasing resilience. It was in these moments, the in-between conversations, the unexpected collaborations, the stories of local action creating global impact, that the true spirit of UNOC3 emerged.
Movie screening of “Sea Change” and panel discussion at the Ocean Basecamp in La Baleine exposition hall.
Credits: Eva Lambert
Presentation at the Cryosphere pavillon in La Baleine exposition hall
Credits: Eva Lambert
As an ocean advocate working from Ireland and most of the time from home, it is easy to feel isolated. But in Nice, it became overwhelmingly clear that we are not alone. The ocean connects us, and so does the movement to protect it. From French Polynesia to Connemara, from Senegal to Shannon Estuary, the fight for the ocean is vibrant and alive.
Photo of the world map situated in the Ocean Basecamp in La Baleine Exposition Hall with different parties’ representations on post its. Credits: Eva Lambert
Photo of the closeup of the world map with IWDG and Fair Seas representations
Credits: Eva Lambert
A particularly powerful takeaway was the visibility and leadership of women in ocean science and conservation. Events like the “Female Voices on the Future of Sharks” panel were a reminder that the future of marine protection is being shaped by brilliant, passionate, and determined women all over the world. Being in the same room with them was both humbling and energising.
Meeting between Sylvia Earle and Eva Lambert at La Baleine exposition hall.
Credits: Eva Lambert
There will be a “before” and “after” UNOC3. The policies and investments may take time, but the people, the voices, and the momentum are already shaping the ocean future we all depend on.
A highlight of the week was the “UNOC Unpacked” workshop, co-hosted by Protect Blue and Oceano Azul Foundation. This session brought together civil society participants to digest the week’s events and sketch out practical next steps. Illustrator @fannydidou captured the key takeaways in a powerful visual summary (see below).
Credits: Fanny Didou, Protect Blue, Oceano Azul Foundation
Also, just for fun, I participated in the UNOC trivia on the final day… and came second! Proof that ocean knowledge and a bit of good humour go a long way, even in the most high-level spaces.
“Because after Nice, the Ocean will really be better.” Sylvia Earle
For more information on the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s work on marine protected areas, cetaceans conservation and research visit www.iwdg.ie
#UNOC3 #OceanAction #BBNJ #DeepSeaMining #MPA #BlueEconomy #30×30 #IWDG #FairSeas #OceanJustice