UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) took place from 9-13 June 2025 in Nice, marking a significant step forward in mobilising political and financial commitments for ocean action. The conference spotlighted the need for inclusive and equitable ocean protection, with a particular focus on climate-vulnerable coastal regions. We extend our sincere thanks to all governments, donors, intergovernmental organisations, civil society groups, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and other key stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to making UNOC3 a success.
Covering more than 70% of the planet’s surface, oceans support extraordinary biodiversity, regulate the global climate, and sustain the livelihoods of over a billion people. However, they are increasingly under threat from climate change, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution (including underwater noise pollution), overfishing, and unsustainable fishing practices, among other pressures. The interlinked global crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and threats to human and wildlife health are continuing to accelerate, posing existential threats to biodiversity and human well-being and undermining efforts to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) was part of several significant UNOC3 announcements:
Read the full WCS statement.
Among other key announcements, the European Commission launched its European Oceans Pact – a new strategy aiming to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. Securing ambitious and sustained financing will be critical to ensuring its full implementation and long-term, effective ocean conservation. Read our joint NGO letter.
Looking ahead, the focus must now shift to delivering tangible actions to protect our oceans and address the accelerating impacts of climate change.