3rd UN Ocean Conference Sets the Course—Now It’s Time for Action
The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) ended on June 13th. Several positive announcements were made, notably by Portugal, and the focus now shifts to the implementation of these commitments to ensure the effective protection of the ocean. Sciaena was present and here are our highlights and analysis of what happened in Nice and the implications going forward.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Portugal had a leading role in this area by announcing what will be a major step toward preserving its marine natural heritage. The Gorringe seamount will see its conservation status strengthened by the end of the year, with an expansion of the total area and a portion of it being designated as a fully protected zone. Gorringe was classified as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in 2015, which still allowed for several extractive activities within its limits—activities that will now be banned or severely restricted.
Sciaena welcomed this decision, but as Henrique Folhas, Sciaena’s lead on Marine Protected Areas and Nature Restoration, emphasized, “this announcement must be followed by further steps, particularly the designation of a coherent MPA network in mainland Portugal and, most importantly, the adoption of measures that ensure real protection—namely by banning destructive fishing practices and other extractive activities that compromise conservation goals in at least 10% of that network.”
Currently, about 7% of Portugal’s coastal and marine jurisdictional waters are classified as MPAs. Since the first UNOC (held in New York in June 2017), Portugal has made successive commitments in this area. Minister for the Environment Maria da Graça Carvalho reiterated at the 3rd UNOC Portugal’s pledge to protect around 30% of its maritime area by 2030.
In addition to the Environment Minister, the Prime Minister also reinforced in Nice the financial compensation to be provided to fishers affected by restrictions due to the creation of MPAs—both in already designated areas such as Pedra do Valado and those undergoing designation.
Gonçalo Carvalho, Executive Coordinator of Sciaena, stressed that “it is important to support fishers in adapting to new MPAs, but that support must focus on the transition to low-impact fishing and the development of complementary economic activities—especially those that depend on and benefit from environmental conservation.”
Unfortunately, few countries matched Portugal’s level of ambition in this area. The Nice Action Plan, which outlines the commitments made at UNOC, shows that only a small number of countries have taken meaningful steps to protect MPAs, while the majority have not adopted decisive actions to prevent destructive fishing practices—such as bottom trawling—in these vital marine habitats.
- European Ocean Pact and the Transition to Low-Impact Fisheries
The lack of ambition in the EU regarding MPAs is particularly concerning given the recent publication of the European Ocean Pact, which was unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the UNOC. The Pact claims to prioritize ocean health protection and restoration, aligning with existing EU commitments—including the Marine Action Plan, which calls on Member States to phase out bottom trawling in MPAs. Yet, only a few Member States have taken concrete measures to protect these areas.
According to Henrique Folhas, “the contradiction must end: we cannot claim that the EU is committed to ocean conservation while allowing highly damaging activities to continue in its marine space and failing to promote more sustainable economic alternatives.”
- Global Plastics Treaty
UNOC3 was a key moment in the fight against plastic pollution. The major milestone was the Nice Declaration, presented by France and signed by 95 countries, including all 27 EU Member States. This declaration—The Nice Wake-Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty—represents a significant collective push to ensure that the final treaty, expected to be concluded at INC-5.2, is robust and effective in addressing plastic pollution across its full life cycle.
The signatory countries are calling for an ambitious and universal treaty that is legally binding, science-based, and adaptable to new evidence and diverse national contexts. Their priorities include reducing plastic production and consumption, legally banning the most problematic plastic products and chemicals of concern, and improving product design—focusing on eco-design and circular economy principles. The declaration also recognizes the need for a new, specific financial mechanism for the treaty, one that is accessible, based on the “polluter pays” principle, and attentive to the needs of least developed countries and small island states.
Valentina Muñoz, Marine Litter and Communities Officer at Sciaena, stated, “This declaration is very important and a clear signal of the commitment many countries involved in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations have made to ensure the necessary ambition to truly end plastic pollution.”
The priorities are clear, but political courage and bold agreements are essential. “Conflicts of interest must be kept out of the treaty, but so far we’ve seen attempts by some countries to dilute its ambition,” she added.
Key issues remain unresolved, including the rules of procedure for adopting the treaty, which could become a stumbling block to its timely and ambitious conclusion. Valentina has been following the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations since INC-2 in Paris, was present at INC-3 in Nairobi, INC-4 in Ottawa, INC-5 in Busan, and will attend INC-5.2 in Geneva this August. “It is crucial that the countries who signed this declaration at UNOC3 maintain their strength, commitment, and ambition going into INC-5.2 to deliver a truly effective treaty,” she emphasized.
- Deep Seabed Mining
Catarina Abril, Fisheries and Climate Officer at Sciaena, further highlighted that “this UNOC was marked by strong, cross-sectoral support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, including from European institutions. In addition to the clear exclusion of this activity from the European Ocean Pact, a significant step was the recognition by European Council President António Costa that the advancement of this industry is a risk we cannot afford to take.”
Latvia, the Marshall Islands, Slovenia, and Cyprus have now joined the 33-country coalition supporting a global moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. “The addition of more countries to this coalition is a powerful signal of political courage in the face of the growing threat posed by this industry, which continues to attempt to bypass the multilateral process underway at the International Seabed Authority,” she added.
In Conclusion,
Joana Coelho, from Sciaena’s Communications team and participant in the 3rd UNOC in Nice, concluded: “In addition to seeing Portugal announce key ocean protection measures, the UNOC was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with strategic partners like Seas At Risk and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. Direct contact with the various teams was crucial to better understand the working and communication styles of each NGO and organization, and to strengthen ties with those who share our goals.”
“This reinforces the importance of collaboration and sharing diverse experiences, approaches, and perspectives—essential for moving forward in a more coordinated and effective way to defend the ocean and raise public awareness”, she added.
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