3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) – 2025

Context:

The 3rd UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice, France, aimed to spotlight growing challenges facing the world’s oceans and mobilize global action.

Theme:

“Accelerating Action and Engaging All Stakeholders for Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Use”

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
• Promote sustainable fishing, reduce marine pollution, and expand marine conservation efforts
• Address issues of marine governance, finance, climate adaptation, and scientific knowledge sharing

Major Outcomes of UNOC3:

1. Blue NDC Challenge

• Initiated by: Brazil and France
• Urges nations to integrate ocean-based climate strategies in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil
• Current Status (as of Feb 10, 2025):
  • Deadline for submission of third NDCs
  • Only 21 of 195 UNFCCC parties submitted
  • Countries joined: Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, Seychelles

Note: NDCs are national action plans under the Paris Agreement (2015) detailing emission cuts and adaptation strategies.

2. The ‘Nice Wake-Up Call’ – Call for a Global Plastics Treaty

• A prelude to INC-5.2 negotiations (Geneva, Aug 5–14, 2025)
• Advocates for a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution
• Key Pillars:
  • Set global limits on plastic polymer production
  • Eliminate hazardous plastics and chemicals
  • Redesign plastic products for sustainability
  • Ensure robust financing and implementation guided by polluter-pays principle
  • Enable a treaty framework that evolves over time
• Support: Endorsed by 96 signatories (India is not yet a part)

India’s Participation & Initiatives:

• Supports quick ratification of the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction)
• Advocates for a binding global treaty on plastics
• Launched: SAHAV Portal for digital marine data, reinforcing India’s leadership in ocean governance

Importance of Oceans:

Ecological & Physical Significance:

• Cover ~70% of Earth’s surface, store 97% of its water
• Home to ~1 million known marine species
• Absorb ~23% of global CO₂ emissions and over 90% of excess heat
• Phytoplankton produce ~50% of atmospheric oxygen

Economic Significance:

• Key to fisheries, oil & gas reserves (e.g., Bombay High)
• Regulate monsoons and protect coasts via mangroves & coral reefs
• Blue Economy contributes ~4% to India’s GDP
• India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (~200 nautical miles) holds vast untapped marine potential

Major Threats to Oceans:

• Warming Waters: Indian Ocean is warming fastest; leads to stronger cyclones (e.g., Fani, 2019), frequent marine heatwaves, and coral bleaching
• Ocean Acidification: Rising CO₂ levels threaten marine life (e.g., coral, shellfish)
• Sea Level Rise: Endangers cities like Mumbai and Kolkata via erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion
• Plastic Pollution: ~8 million tonnes enter oceans annually
• Overfishing: ~33% of global fish stocks are overexploited

Government Measures for Ocean Protection:

Monitoring & Forecasting

• INCOIS (Hyderabad): Delivers real-time ocean data, alerts on marine heatwaves, and early warnings
• IMD: Cyclone tracking and forecasting
• NDMA: Coastal disaster preparedness

Climate-Resilient Missions (Under NAPCC)

• National Water Mission (NWM): Ensures efficient water use and integrated water resource management
• National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Preserves Himalayan glaciers, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge

Coastal and Marine Development

• SAGAR Initiative: Regional maritime cooperation and security
• Maritime India Vision 2030: Focuses on sustainable port-led development
• Odisha’s Casuarina Plantations: Mitigated Cyclone Fani’s impact – model for nature-based solutions

Global & Regional Cooperation

• IORA and BIMSTEC: Strengthen regional maritime climate adaptation
• CDRI: Enhances disaster-resilient coastal infrastructure

Way Forward:

• Launch a National Coastal Mission: Holistic plan to protect coasts, mangroves, and marine ecosystems from climate change
• Expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): e.g., Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (supports ~4,000 marine species)
• Restore Ecosystems: Implement mangrove restoration, build seawalls using natural materials
• Invest in Blue Economy:
  • Promote PPPs in sustainable fisheries and marine biotechnology
  • Enhance funding for marine research to bridge knowledge gaps