The World’ORLD’’s oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our people.
They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge. They inspire dreams and enable travel.
One in three people rely on the oceans for their livelihood, yet the oceans are in danger.
From 9 to 13 June, France and Costa Rica will co-host the third United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Some 100 heads of state and government will converge on Nice in France for this crucial event, as well as thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world.
Our collective aim is clear: Protecting the oceans through tangible action.
WORRYING NUMBERS
Our oceans remain little-known, and have neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation.
The numbers are worrying: More than eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science (magazine).
More than one-third of fish stocks suffer from overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems rapidly gather pace because of the consequences of climate change.
We must act now.
More than ever, we need to ensure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans.
Ten years after CoP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity.
The ‘Nice Ocean Agreements’ will form a genuine international pact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
To this end, the talks in Nice need to be operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas.
THE ‘LAWLESS’ HIGH SEAS
When it comes to governance, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) is essential.
The high seas, which make up more than 60% of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law.
The lack of oversight and common rules are causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, endangering protected mammals.
To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries to enable it to come into force.
The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy.
To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate.
In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment.
EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
Lastly, how can we protect what we do not know – or do not know enough about?
We need to enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better.
We are capable of mapping the surface of the moon or Mars but the depths of the oceans – which cover 70% of Earth’s surface – remain unknown.
Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness.
In the context of ever faster climate change and the overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: They are everyone’s business.
We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism.
The oceans join us all together and are central to our future.
Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our people, for future generations and for our planet.
- Cécile Vigneau is France’s ambassador to Namibia.
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