Global Commitment to Ocean Conservation Grows at U.N. Conference

The third U.N. Ocean Conference celebrated the announcement of new marine protected areas aimed at ocean preservation, as countries rally around the goal of safeguarding significant marine ecosystems.

At a recent U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice, France, more than 20 new marine protected areas were announced, marking an important step towards the global goal of protecting 30 percent of the oceans by 2030. Among the newly designated areas are vital habitats off the coasts of countries such as Chile, Colombia, and French Polynesia. This coalition of nations underscores a growing recognition of the need for ocean conservation amidst increasing environmental threats.

Expert marine biologist Sylvia Earle highlighted the new focus on ocean safety, describing it as becoming "fashionable" at an event celebrating the protected network in the Azores. The new areas slated for protection are vast, with significant expanses designated in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, as well as crucial habitats for threatened marine species around Tanzania.

However, the enthusiasm for ocean protection faces challenges, particularly from the United States, which had a minimal presence at the conference. The U.S. is considering reopening the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing and aims to authorize deep-sea mining in international waters. In contrast, France and its allies pushed for a moratorium on such activities, winning support from four additional countries, bringing the total to 37 nations advocating for the ban on deep-sea mining.

As the conference concluded, the collective efforts of participating nations highlighted a critical moment in the ongoing fight for marine preservation, pointing to the urgent need for increased action to protect the world's oceans while balancing economic interests and environmental health.