The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) commenced in Nice, France, this week, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and civil society representatives to address urgent marine conservation challenges. Under the theme 'Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,' the conference aims to strengthen international cooperation amid rising concerns over climate-driven coral bleaching, overfishing, and plastic pollution.
Delegates from over 150 countries and regions, including key Asian participants such as Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are negotiating frameworks for sustainable fisheries and blue economy investments. A preliminary UN report highlights that Asia-Pacific nations account for 40% of global aquaculture production, underscoring the region's stake in ocean governance reforms.
Business leaders are advocating for standardized ESG metrics for maritime industries, while researchers emphasize data-sharing initiatives to track marine biodiversity loss. The conference coincides with new satellite findings showing a 12% acceleration in Arctic ice melt compared to 2022 levels.
