As Nice gears up to host the United Nations Ocean Conference between 9th and 13th June, the Principality of Monaco and its sovereign, Prince Albert II, will take a leading role in kickstarting discussions on the future of ocean conservation with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.
The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June, an event hosted by the city of Nice and co-organised by the governments of France and Costa Rica, will unite the international community, from world leaders and business figureheads to scientists and NGOs, for what is hoped to be a series of positive, collaborative and forward-thinking discussions and events that will help develop concrete solutions for ocean conservation.
The conference comes at a critical moment: climate change is causing rising sea levels and warming oceans, plastic pollution continues to accumulate in almost every corner of the globe, and marine biodiversity faces alarming decline.
The theme of UNOC3, Accelerating action to preserve the ocean, reflects the urgency of addressing the gap between commitments made under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Life Below Water in 2015 and the lack of progress in implementing these measures by nations and governments worldwide.
Monaco’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum
The Principality of Monaco, though not an official host of UNOC3, is set to assert its position as a solid proponent of ocean conservation by coordinating the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum on 7th and 8th June, ahead of the main event.
See more: Prince Albert II calls for global participation at Blue Economy and Finance Forum in June
The Principality has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management through its protected areas, forward-thinking fishing regulations and substantial investments in marine research. Meanwhile, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has funded numerous ocean conservation projects globally and is dedicated to raising awareness on critical marine issues.
At the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, participants will explore innovative funding mechanisms and sustainable business models to support ocean protection efforts.
Speaking about the event, Prince Albert has said, “We must develop an economic model commensurate with these evolving requirements. In order to achieve this, we will address key sectors: maritime transport, fishing and aquaculture, renewable marine energies, sustainable tourism and conservation of the marine environment. We will make the ocean’s immense value tangible, with its ecosystem services representing close to $30 trillion annually. We will explore how to mobilise $175 billion every year to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Faced with such a challenge, businesses have a pivotal role to play. Governments must provide the impetus, and every stakeholder can be a vital force for change. That is why we must move forward all together.”
Other UNOC3 warm-up events
From 4th to 6th June, the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice will offer scientists a platform to present their latest findings on ocean health, climate impacts and emerging conservation technologies.
Then, on 7th June, the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition Conference, also in Nice, will focus on adaptation strategies for coastal cities facing rising sea levels.
The newly launched Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition represents an ambitious initiative to unite hundreds of coastal cities worldwide. Coordinated by the Ocean & Climate Platform with support from Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, this coalition will represent the approximately one billion people affected by sea level rise around the globe.
The coalition aims to mobilise resources, share knowledge and finance adaptation strategies for coastal communities facing increased flooding, erosion and extreme weather events. By creating a global network, the coalition hopes to amplify its collective voice in international negotiations.
Participation by all
A standout feature of UNOC3 is its emphasis on civil society participation and its “visioning” methodology that seeks to inspire participants to imagine desirable futures for the ocean rather than focusing solely on negative projections. This approach begins by identifying promising innovations or practices that could contribute to a sustainable ocean future, and will ultimately help shape the Nice Ocean Action Agreement, the main political outcome of the upcoming conference.
As such, the success of UNOC3 will be measured by tangible outcomes rather than declarations. Key metrics will include financial commitments secured for ocean conservation, binding agreements on pollution reduction and sustainable fishing, expansion of marine protected areas and robust monitoring systems.
See more: Oceanographic Institute of Monaco launches campaign promoting Marine Protected Areas
As the international community approaches the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNOC3 represents a pivotal opportunity to reverse the decline in ocean health and set humanity on a course toward more harmonious relationships with marine environments.
For more information on the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, click here.
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Prince Albert II joins President Macron at SOS Ocean Summit in Paris
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