UN Ocean Conference sets sail off France on World Oceans Day
Share this @internewscast.com

NICE, France (AP) — On Sunday, numerous research and exploration vessels from all over the globe embarked just off the coast of the French city Nice to launch the third U.N. Ocean Conference and to honor World Oceans Day.

Under the theme “Ocean Wonders,” the vessels traversed Nice’s Baie des Anges, or Bay of Angels, aiming to highlight the ocean’s beauty and significance, while encouraging global leaders to remember its worth when making future planetary decisions.

Thousands of participants, including heads of state, scientists, and environmental advocates, are anticipated in Nice this week to tackle the increasing threats to the ocean and to transform commitments into concrete protection measures.

The United Nations has called the threats a global emergency facing the world’s oceans as they confront rising temperatures, plastic pollution choking marine life, and relentless overexploitation of fish and other resources.

Just 2.7% of the global ocean is effectively protected from destructive activities like industrial fishing and deep-sea mining — far below the global goal of 30% by 2030.

Participating boats included the Energy Observer, a solar-panel covered catamaran that was the first vessel to circumnavigate the globe using renewable energy alone. It produces hydrogen fuel on board via seawater electrolysis, offering a vision of zero-emissions maritime travel.

Other standout vessels included France’s Alfred Merlin, dedicated to underwater archaeology; the OceanXplorer, a high-tech billionaire-owned research yacht; and the WWF’s Blue Panda, which is working to map and protect the last remaining seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea.

At the heart of the conference is the push to ratify the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023. If it takes effect, the treaty would for the first time allow countries to establish marine protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and remain largely ungoverned.

“The High Seas Treaty is critical to ensuring we can protect biodiversity in the ocean,” said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “We’re in the middle of a biodiversity and climate crisis. We absolutely have to protect the ocean to address those crises.”

But even in waters already designated as protected, enforcement often falls short. Many countries, France included, face criticism from environmental groups over weak regulation and continued industrial activity within their marine protected areas.

“The ambition is not there, the speed is not there, and the scale has not been there,” said Sílvia Tavares, project manager at Oceano Azul Foundation. “Moments like UNOC are key to changing that.”

Several countries are expected to announce new marine protected areas, or MPAs, during the conference, along with bans on bottom trawling and other destructive activities within their existing MPA networks.

The “Ocean Wonders” fleet will remain docked in Nice and open to the public until the conference concludes on June 13.

___

Follow Annika Hammerschlag on Instagram @ahammergram.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Merab Dvalishvili Defends 135-Pound Title at UFC 316 with President Trump in Attendance

NEWARK, N.J. – In the main event of UFC 316 on Saturday…

Rising School Fees Burden Many Africans; Expectations Increase for Catholic Church Assistance

KAMPALA – At a Catholic private school, a distressed parent approached the…

Trump Sends California National Guard to Los Angeles to Control Protests, Ignoring Governor’s Opposition

PARAMOUNT, Calif. (AP) — Against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom, President…

A Local EMS Company Gears Up for Hurricane Season Preparedness

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Hurricane season is here, and after last year,…

7-Year-Old Brother Attempts CPR to Rescue Illinois Sisters; Suspect in Stabbing Held

Note: The alleged details below are disturbing. Discretion is advised. STREAMWOOD, Ill.…

The Economy’s Impact: New Jersey Governor’s Race Challenges Democrats’ Strategy to Reengage Latino Voters

NEWARK, N.J. – A congresswoman with a background as a U.S. Navy…

After Days of Immigration Protests, National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — A significant military presence was observed in downtown…

Champaign Resident Hospitalized Following Saturday Night Shooting

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A 21-year-old Champaign man was hurt after a…

Escaped Pet Zebra Safely Returned in Tennessee

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A pet zebra that had been on the run…

Trump and Newsom Exchange Criticisms During California Demonstrations

() President Trump has rebuked California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s criticism of the…

‘Join Us for a Fantastic Day: 14th Annual CU Autism Walk and Resource Fair’

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — At this year’s annual event for the Champaign-Urbana…

Russia accuses Ukraine of postponing the exchange of fallen soldiers

Russian officials stated on Sunday that Moscow is still waiting for formal…