The Third United Nations Ocean Conference opened in Nice, France, with a stark warning from UN Secretary-General António Guterres about the deteriorating state of the world’s oceans. Addressing delegates against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, Guterres described the ocean as a vital, shared resource under severe threat from human activity, calling for urgent global action to halt what he termed the “plunder” of marine environments.
Guterres emphasized that oceans are absorbing approximately 90 percent of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cascade of environmental crises. He cited overfishing, rising ocean temperatures, acidification, plastic pollution, and widespread coral bleaching as symptoms of a broken relationship between humanity and the sea.
He further warned that rising sea levels could soon inundate coastal communities, destroy agriculture, and jeopardize the survival of island nations. The five-day summit, known as UNOC3, has drawn participation from over 120 countries, including more than 50 Heads of State and Government. Among those present at the opening ceremony were Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reflecting broad international concern over the health of marine ecosystems and their connection to climate stability and food security.
French President Emmanuel Macron, co-hosting the conference with Costa Rica, followed Guterres with a strong endorsement of science-driven, multilateral approaches to ocean governance. Macron argued that market forces alone cannot be relied upon to safeguard the planet’s oceans. Describing the ocean as “boiling” in response to global warming, he said addressing the crisis requires collective political will grounded in scientific consensus rather than public opinion.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles echoed these concerns, framing the ocean as a victim of decades of neglect and misuse. Citing bleached coral reefs and damaged mangroves as visible evidence of ecological distress, he urged a transition from exploitation to responsible stewardship.
Chaves emphasized the urgency of concrete action, stating that rhetorical commitments were no longer sufficient. A central focus of the summit is advancing the 2023 High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. The treaty aims to protect biodiversity in international waters and requires ratification by at least 60 countries to enter into force.
Macron announced that with over 50 ratifications submitted during the opening day and an additional 15 formal commitments made, the agreement is now close to reaching its legal threshold. Macron concluded that while the final step may come during the summit or soon after, the necessary political agreement has been secured. The treaty’s imminent implementation, he said, represents a significant step toward safeguarding the ocean for future generations. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.