Third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) took place in Nice, France, bringing together world leaders, scientists, civil society, and business representatives with one shared goal: to protect and restore the health of the world’s ocean.
The ocean is essential to life on Earth. It regulates the climate, provides food and livelihoods for billions of people, and supports incredible biodiversity. But it is under growing pressure from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and destructive practices like deep-sea mining.
UNOC3 served as a global platform to take stock of current challenges, share solutions, and agree on concrete steps for ocean protection. Key outcomes from the conference include:
Progress on the High Seas Treaty, which will allow the creation of Marine Protected Areas in international waters once ratified by 60 countries.
Widespread support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, reflecting growing concern over the irreversible damage it could cause.
The launch of the One Ocean Finance Facility, designed to unlock new funding for sustainable ocean projects around the world.
A strong push for zero-emission shipping, highlighting the role of ports and maritime transport in the green transition.
The creation of the UN Seaweed Task Force, promoting blue innovation and regenerative aquaculture.
These decisions represent important progress—but real change will depend on political will, binding implementation, and long-term investment.
At UNOC3, Race For The Baltic worked to ensure that regional seas like the Baltic are included in global discussions. Although smaller in size, the Baltic Sea faces some of the most serious environmental pressures in Europe and must be part of any meaningful ocean solution. We took an active role—participating in high-level side events and collaborating with international partners such as: Stichting De Noordze, Soya Group, Climate Earth, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and and other international partners.
Marcin Kotlarek and Grzegorz Olszewski representing RFTB at UNOC.