July/August 2025 Eco Report
World Ocean Conference 2025
Last month, I mentioned a worldwide United Nations conference held in Nice, France, to discuss the state of the worlds oceans and what could be done to save them and the life they support. This was the largest conference of its type, with 175 countries, 64 Heads of State, 115 ministers and 12,000 delegates in total. It ended positively with a strong push for ocean conservation and sustainable development, resulting in commitments and declarations from participating
nations. Key outcomes included renewed support for the High Seas Treaty, a focus on placing ocean solutions within climate and development policies, and increased financial aid for coastal and island nations. A total of 8.7 billion euros in investments for accelerating ocean conservation in the next 5 years was pledged by philanthropists, private investors, and public banks.
There was a growing international call for a pause on deep-sea mining, with some financial institutions already excluding it.
Over 170 countries adopted a political declaration, committing to urgent action on ocean conservation and sustainable use, including expanding marine protected areas and limiting pollution.
The UK issued a press release on 10th June, and announced legislation to ratify the High Seas Treaty, contributions to the High Seas Treaty trust fund, and increased investment in coral reef and marine conservation initiatives. The UK joined over 90 countries in reiterating its commitment to agreeing an ambitious Plastic Pollution Treaty when negotiations resume in Geneva this August.
The charity Birdlife International has pledged to identify the most important places for birds and all marine life by 2030. Seabird migration routes create invisible bridges between ecosystems. Migration routes are more easily tracked due to advances in technology and so vital nesting and feeding destinations, etc, can be targeted for conservation.
The eventual aim is to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. David Attenbourgh’s 2025 Ocean film is a very relevant and a good watch.
Maria Boys