The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) – 3rd Edition 2025 – Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica

Date: June 9 to 13 2025
Location: Port Lympia, Nice, France

The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Nice 2025, France

 

The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is taking place in Nice, France, from June 9 to June 13, 2025. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, this high-level event aims to accelerate global action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.

 

 

Key Objectives:

 

 

 

• Protecting marine biodiversity: The conference will address urgent threats such as plastic pollution, overfishing, seabed mining, and coral bleaching.
• Advancing ocean-related policies: Discussions will focus on implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the responsible use of marine resources.
• Scientific and economic opportunities: Experts will explore the pharmacological potential of marine molecules, which could revolutionize medicine.
• International collaboration: Over 60 world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, will participate in launching initiatives like the European Ocean Pact.

 

This conference follows previous UN ocean summits in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022) and is expected to result in concrete commitments for ocean conservation.

 

 

Ocean Rise & Coastal Resisilience

Climate variability refers to any changes in the climate system that persist longer than a single weather event.

 

The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice is tackling several crucial themes to protect and sustainably manage our oceans.

 

Here are the key topics:

1. Marine Biodiversity & Conservation

• Strengthening marine protected areas to safeguard ecosystems.
• Implementing the High Seas Treaty to regulate international waters.
• Addressing threats like overfishing, coral bleaching, and habitat destruction.

 

2. Plastic & Chemical Pollution

• Reducing microplastics that contaminate marine life.
• Phasing out harmful chemical pollutants affecting ocean health.
• Encouraging circular economy solutions for waste management.

 

3. Sustainable Blue Economy

• Promoting eco-friendly maritime industries.
• Supporting renewable ocean energy like tidal and wave power.
• Advancing sustainable fisheries to balance food security and conservation.

4. Climate Change & Ocean Resilience

• Addressing rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
• Strengthening carbon sequestration through ocean-based solutions.
• Enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather events.

 

5. Pharmacological Potential of Marine Molecules

• Exploring marine-derived medicines for cancer and viral diseases.
• Investing in biotechnological research to unlock ocean-based treatments.
• Expanding the marine pharmaceutical market, projected to grow significantly.

 

6. International Cooperation & Policy Making

• Establishing the Nice Ocean Action Plan to drive global commitments.
• Encouraging cross-border collaboration for ocean governance.
• Mobilizing funding and innovation for ocean conservation.

This conference is expected to result in major policy agreements and new conservation initiatives

 

 

French President Emmanuel Macron is playing a central role in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice. His involvement includes:

1. Hosting & Leadership

• France is co-hosting the event alongside Costa Rica, reinforcing its commitment to ocean conservation.
• Macron is using the conference to position France as a global leader in marine protection.

2. Policy & Commitments

• He has announced new restrictions on bottom trawling in certain marine protected areas to safeguard ecosystems.
• France is pushing for the High Seas Treaty to be ratified quickly, aiming to protect international waters.

3. Diplomatic Engagement

• Macron is welcoming over 50 world leaders, including Brazilian President Lula, to discuss ocean governance.
• He is advocating for stronger European cooperation through the European Ocean Pact.

4. Scientific & Economic Initiatives

• He will meet with researchers to review the Starfish Barometer, a new tool measuring ocean health.
• France is promoting the Blue Economy, focusing on sustainable maritime industries.

5. Public Engagement & Symbolic Actions

• Macron will arrive in Nice by boat, participating in a maritime parade for World Ocean Day.
• He will attend a dinner with world leaders, featuring sustainable seafood from the Mediterranean.

His presence underscores France’s ambition to lead global ocean conservation efforts.

 

The ocean has suffered decades of damage

 

The ocean has suffered decades of damage from pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Some ecosystems, like coral reefs, are on the brink of collapse, and biodiversity loss is accelerating. But at the same time, we’ve seen major breakthroughs in ocean conservation, and nature has an astonishing ability to recover when given the chance.

 

Reasons for Optimism:

• Global treaties like the High Seas Treaty are finally being signed to protect international waters.
• Marine protected areas are expanding, covering over 8% of the ocean (but still far from the 30% goal).
• Scientific discoveries are leading to innovative solutions, from bioplastics to coral restoration techniques.
• Countries are investing in the Blue Economy, focusing on sustainability instead of exploitation.

 

What Needs to Happen Now:

• Faster action against plastic and chemical pollution.
• Stricter regulations on illegal fishing and destructive practices.
• More funding for marine research and conservation.
• Stronger collaboration between governments, industries, and communities.

The next decade is critical. If we act boldly now, we can still reverse some damage and build a future where oceans thrive. And conferences like UNOC3 in Nice are pushing that momentum forward.

 

The disappearance of marine biodiversity has profound consequences for the entire planet. Every species plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems, and when biodiversity declines, the effects ripple through food chains, climate stability, and human livelihoods.

 

Key Consequences of Biodiversity Loss:

🌊 Environmental Disruptions

• Coral reef collapse: Corals provide shelter for 25% of marine species. Their disappearance leads to widespread habitat loss.
• Food chain imbalances: Overfishing and species extinction disrupt predator-prey relationships, affecting the survival of many marine animals.
• Ocean acidification: Declining biodiversity weakens the ocean’s ability to absorb CO₂, accelerating climate change.

🐠 Impact on Marine Life

• Fish population decline: Unsustainable fishing and pollution threaten key species like tuna and cod, impacting global food security.
• Mammal endangerment: Whales, dolphins, and seals suffer from habitat destruction and noise pollution, leading to population decline.
• Loss of keystone species: Animals like sea otters and sharks regulate ecosystems. Their disappearance causes cascading negative effects.

 

Human & Economic Consequences

• Food shortages: Over 3 billion people rely on seafood as a primary protein source.
• Economic instability: Fisheries and tourism suffer, leading to job losses in coastal communities.
• Medical losses: Marine biodiversity is a treasure trove for medicine, providing compounds for cancer treatments and antibiotics.

Reversing biodiversity loss requires strong conservation efforts, better marine regulations, and a global push for sustainable ocean management. There’s still time to act, but urgency is key.

French President Emmanuel Macron is frustrated with certain aspects of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice.

His concerns stem from political setbacks and slow progress in ocean conservation efforts.

 

Reasons for Macron’s Frustration

Lack of U.S. Participation

The United States has not sent a delegation, despite being the world’s largest maritime power.

Macron sees this as a sign of disengagement from global environmental efforts.

 

Slow Implementation of the High Seas Treaty

• The treaty, adopted in 2023, aims to protect marine ecosystems in international waters.
• France hoped for 60 ratifications at this summit, but they likely won’t be achieved until late 2025.

1. Mining in International Waters
   • In April 2025, Donald Trump unilaterally approved deep-sea mining in the Pacific, bypassing international regulations.
   • Macron sees this as a threat to marine biodiversity and a dangerous precedent.
2. Challenges in Marine Protection Policies
   • France had to lower its ambitions for this conference compared to previous environmental summits like COP21 in 2015.
   • Macron announced new restrictions on bottom trawling, but NGOs argue they are not strong enough.

Despite these frustrations, Macron is pushing for stronger commitments and hopes to mobilize global leaders to take more decisive action

 

 

The loss of marine biodiversity impacts not only ecosystems but also human health, animals, fish, plants, and corals in significant ways. Here’s how:

1. Human Health Consequences

• Food insecurity: With declining fish populations, millions of people face malnutrition, especially in coastal and island nations.
• Toxic contamination: Pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals enter the seafood we consume, increasing risks of cancer and neurological disorders.
• Loss of marine-based medicines: Many life-saving treatments come from marine organisms; fewer species mean fewer potential medical discoveries.

2. Consequences for Fish & Marine Mammals

• Mass extinctions: Overfishing and habitat destruction lead to species like cod, tuna, and whales being pushed to the brink.
• Disease outbreaks: With weakened ecosystems, diseases spread rapidly among fish and marine mammals.
• Disrupted migration patterns: Climate change forces species to shift habitats, affecting food chains and breeding cycles.

3. Impact on Corals & Marine Plants

• Coral bleaching: Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to lose their color and die, destroying habitats for 25% of marine life.
• Loss of oxygen producers: Marine plants like seagrass and algae play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and oxygen production. Their disappearance disrupts entire ecosystems.
• Reduced coastal protection: Coral reefs act as natural barriers, preventing erosion and storm damage—losing them makes coastal cities more vulnerable.

4. Wider Ecological Consequences

• Ocean acidification: Absorbing excessive CO₂ makes the water more acidic, harming marine life with shells (like oysters and crabs).
• Unstable food chains: Losing keystone species (such as sharks) disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.
• Climate instability: The ocean regulates global temperatures—biodiversity loss weakens this ability, worsening climate change effects.

The ripple effect of biodiversity loss reaches every corner of the planet. But strong conservation efforts can still reverse damage!

 

There are several solutions to combat marine biodiversity loss, ranging from policy changes to scientific innovations. Here are some of the most effective strategies:

1. Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Governments are working to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.
• MPAs help restore ecosystems by limiting fishing and pollution.

2. Reducing Pollution & Plastic Waste

• Scientists are developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics.
• Improved wastewater management prevents toxic chemicals from entering the ocean.

3. Restoring Marine Ecosystems

• Coral reef restoration projects use genetic interventions to create heat-resistant corals.
• Mangrove and seagrass restoration helps absorb carbon and protect coastlines.

4. Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture

• New fishing technologies reduce bycatch and prevent overfishing.
• Eco-friendly aquaculture provides seafood without harming wild populations.

5. Climate Action & Ocean-Based Solutions

• Nature-based solutions like oyster reef farms help stabilize marine ecosystems.
• Renewable marine energy (wave and tidal power) reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

6. Strengthening International Policies

• The EU Biodiversity Strategy aims to strictly protect 10% of European seas by 2030.
• The High Seas Treaty ensures conservation beyond national waters.

These solutions require global cooperation, funding, and innovation to be effective.

 

Media Partners:

AI FASHION MAG

 

AI Fashion Mag is a leading publication dedicated to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and fashion, covering innovations in AI-driven design, digital couture, and smart textiles. The magazine serves as a platform for emerging designers, tech pioneers, and industry leaders, highlighting how AI is reshaping the future of fashion.

When Artificial Intelligence Weaves the Future Fabric of Fashion

This concept examines how AI is revolutionizing haute couture, enabling designers to create bold, futuristic aesthetics using tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Runway. AI-generated silhouettes are making their way onto runways and magazine covers, redefining the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.

However, the rise of AI in fashion also sparks debates about originality, artistic ownership, and ethical considerations. Designers are navigating the delicate balance between human intuition and algorithmic innovation, ensuring that AI remains a creative assistant rather than a replacement

 

AI FRIENDLY

The concept of AI Friendly revolves around ensuring that artificial intelligence is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. As AI becomes more integrated into industries like fashion, healthcare, and cybersecurity, the focus is on responsible innovation—developing AI systems that enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

AI ethics will be a major theme, with discussions on regulation, misinformation, inclusion, and environmental impact. The event will feature The Good Hack, an ideation marathon focused on developing AI solutions for societal challenges, reinforcing the idea that AI should be a tool for empowerment rather than disruption.

 

DN-A INTERNATIONAL

Dn-Africa is a platform dedicated to promoting African fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship, connecting designers, brands, and creatives across the continent. It serves as a hub for showcasing African talent and fostering cross-cultural collaborations in the global fashion industry.

Regarding AI, Dn-Africa has explored the role of artificial intelligence in Africa, particularly in ensuring AI inclusivity and avoiding Africa’s exclusion from AI advancements. One article discusses how Africa must actively contribute to AI development to prevent biases and ensure fair representation in global AI systems. It highlights concerns about data gaps, the need for African-led AI research, and strategies to integrate local perspectives into AI models

 

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