Context:
The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025, held in Nice, France, from June 9-13, focused on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference brought together heads of state, ministers, scientists, and other stakeholders to address Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
Theme of UNOC 2025
“Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
The conference brought together:
- Heads of State and Government
- Ministers
- Scientists
- International organizations
- Civil society groups
- Marine experts and stakeholders
Major Outcomes of UNOC 2025
BBNJ Treaty / High Seas Treaty
One of the most important developments at the conference was progress on the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty.
Objective of the Treaty
The treaty seeks to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (international waters).
Its major goals include:
- Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Regulating access to marine genetic resources
- Conducting environmental impact assessments
- Ensuring capacity building and technology transfer for developing countries
Ratification Status
- 56 countries had ratified the treaty at the time of the conference.
- The treaty requires 60 ratifications to enter into force.
- After the 60th ratification, a 120-day countdown will begin before legal enforcement.
Key Challenges
Disagreements remain regarding:
- Fair sharing of commercial benefits from deep-sea genetic resources
- Regulations on deep-sea mining and extraction
- Stronger environmental safeguards for fragile marine ecosystems
Many countries and environmental groups demanded stricter limits on resource extraction in international waters.
India’s Role and Position
India actively participated in discussions related to sustainable oceans and blue economy development.
India and the BBNJ Treaty
- India has not yet ratified the BBNJ Agreement.
- However, the ratification process is currently underway.
- The United States has also not ratified the treaty.
Blue Talks Initiative
India recently hosted the second “Blue Talks” in New Delhi ahead of UNOC 2025.
The discussions focused on:
- India’s blue economy strategy
- Sustainable marine resource utilization
- Ocean-based livelihoods
- Marine conservation and governance
The initiative aligned with UNOC’s broader goal of sustainable and inclusive ocean development.
Blue Economy
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for:
- Economic growth
- Improved livelihoods
- Employment generation
- Ocean ecosystem health
Key sectors include:
- Fisheries
- Aquaculture
- Maritime transport
- Coastal tourism
- Renewable ocean energy
Importance of UNOC 2025
The conference is significant because it:
- Strengthened global momentum for ocean conservation
- Advanced implementation of SDG-14
- Accelerated the High Seas Treaty process
- Highlighted concerns over deep-sea mining
- Promoted sustainable blue economy models
