International Conference Advances Marine Preservation, Pledges to Safeguard the Deep Ocean Floor
Sirens Wail as UN Ocean Conference Ends Amid Funding Shortfalls and Fossil Fuel Snub
The UN Ocean Conference in France concluded amidst a wave of dissatisfaction, as leaders failed to pledge sufficient funding and overlooked fossil fuels in their ocean protection goals.
Held in the picturesque city of Nice, the conference marked the third and largest gathering dedicated to addressing the United Nations' “emergency” in the world's oceans. Over five days, more than 60 heads of state and government, along with thousands of business leaders, scientists, and environmental activists, came together to discuss the state of the oceans.
Sea of Approval for High Seas Treaty Ratification
While opinions were divided on several issues, there was unanimous support for the ratification of the high seas treaty, designed to safeguard marine life in the vast expanse of international waters. Seventeen countries formally ratified the pact at Nice, bringing the total to 50; however, 60 nations are required to bring the treaty into effect. France's oceans envoy, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, predicted the necessary ratifications would be obtained by September, ensuring the treaty becomes enforceable by January 2026.
Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, applauded the "incredible progress" toward the treaty's ratification but urged nations to expedite the process without delay.
United in Opposition: Deep-Sea Mining and the US
The conference also saw nations unite in their opposition to deep-sea mining, especially in light of US President Donald Trump's support for the controversial practice. Trump's absence from the gathering and his restraint from being openly mentioned couldn't hide the apprehension among leaders as they denounced his push for nickel and mineral extraction from the ocean floor.
France and like-minded countries vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea exploration during negotiations over a mining code at the International Seabed Authority next month.
Protection of Oceans: A Mixed Bag
While four new nations joined an alliance opposed to deep-sea mining, raising the total to 37, the commitment to marine conservation remained uneven. Greece, Samoa, and Colombia were among 14 nations who unveiled plans for vast new marine protected areas, raising the share of the world's oceans under conservation to over 10 percent. Some countries also announced restrictions on bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method.
Developing nations, particularly small island nations, had hoped to garner substantial financial commitments during the conference to combat rising tides and illegal fishing. However, while private donors pledged around 8.7 billion euros ($10 billion) over the next five years, the UN estimates that $175 billion a year is needed for sustainable ocean development.
A Tidal Wave of Neglect: Fossil Fuels Missing from the Equation
Perhaps the most glaring omission from the conference was any mention or regulation of fossil fuels, the primary drivers of climate change, ocean warming, and acidification. Bruna Campos from the Center for International Environmental Law called the omission "inadmissible," stating that ignoring the need to phase out offshore oil and gas contributes to the oceans' ongoing crisis.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a political statement, which contained no mention of coal, oil, or gas, prompting criticism from former US special climate envoy John Kerry, who stressed the importance of confronting the root causes driving the ocean to the breaking point.
(With newswires)
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- In spite of the unanimous support for the ratification of the high seas treaty, some critics urge nations to expedite the process, as the current number of ratifications falls short of the required 60 nations needed for the treaty to take effect.
- Besides the unanimous support for the high seas treaty, the conference in Nice, France, also witnessed an unusual alliance as nations, including the US under President Donald Trump, united in their opposition to deep-sea mining.
- While approximately 37 nations are now part of an alliance opposed to deep-sea mining, the commitment to marine conservation remains uneven, as some countries have announced plans for vast new marine protected areas, while others have failed to provide substantial financial commitments to combat climate change and illegal fishing.
- Addressing climate change is paramount for ocean conservation, yet the recent UN Ocean Conference in France ended with no mention or regulation of fossil fuels, the primary drivers of ocean warming, acidification, and climate change.
- The ongoing ocean crisis and the failure to address fossil fuels as a key contributor to the problem have received criticism from experts like Bruna Campos from the Center for International Environmental Law and John Kerry, the former US special climate envoy, who stress the necessity of confronting the root causes driving the ocean to the breaking point.
