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AMMAN — France is set to host the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in the city of Nice from June 7 to 13, aiming, according to organisers, to mobilise international action in response to what the “global ocean emergency”.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, French Ambassador for the Oceans and Special Envoy of the President for UNOC3, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, outlined the objectives of the high-level conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. He confirmed that Jordan is among the invited nations, alongside over 70 world leaders, dozens of ministers, and thousands of government officials and civil society representatives.
“The conference seeks to confirm a key agreement on the protection of marine biodiversity and stimulate international cooperation in safeguarding the oceans amid rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, and the overexploitation of marine resources,” he said.
According to d’Arvor, securing at least 60 ratifications of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty is among France’s top priorities for the summit. Adopted in 2003, the treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,
A special session on the Mediterranean Sea will be held at the conference, “as part of the broader discussions, with an emphasis on regional collaboration.”
The treaty outlines a roadmap for sustainable fishing practices, protecting a minimum of 30 per cent of the world’s oceans, addressing plastic pollution, accelerating the decarburisation of the maritime sector, and mobilising the financial resources necessary to meet these targets, he said.
“The aim is to move from commitments to implementation,” said Poivre d’Arvor, stressing the urgency of unified global action to preserve ocean ecosystems vital to the survival and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide.
The conference is expected to adopt the Nice Action Plan for the Ocean, a framework designed to place ocean issues at the heart of the global environmental and development agenda for years to come.
France is also hosting a number of events in June, including the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, and the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit.
“These gatherings will bring together scientists, investors, and policy leaders to deepen global dialogue on oceanic research, sustainable finance, and adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal regions,” according to a statement from French Embassy.