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:
- 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.
- 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