UN Calls for Worldwide Initiative to Combat Ocean Degradation and Overexploitation

According to a recent publication by the United Nations, the world’s oceans are facing severe threats primarily due to human greed. During the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, called on governments, businesses, scientists, and communities to take decisive action before it’s too late.

In a press briefing with journalists, Guterres expressed his grave concerns about the ocean’s impending collapse. He emphasized that if we continue down this path of exploitation driven by greed—characterized by misinformation and corruption—the chance for recovery may soon vanish. He described greed as a “clear enemy” that harms marine ecosystems for profit.Guterres urged leaders from around the globe and local organizations at the conference to unite in safeguarding our oceans since they belong to everyone. He highlighted four critical areas where immediate efforts are necesary:

1. Revamp Ocean Harvesting Practices: It’s not just about fishing; it’s about how we fish.Achieving global targets like protecting 30% of ocean areas by 2030 is crucial.

1. Tackle plastic Waste: The fight against single-use plastics must intensify alongside improved recycling initiatives and a global agreement aimed at eradicating plastic pollution this year.

1. Address Climate Change Impacts on Oceans: Countries need to present robust national climate action plans ahead of COP30 in Brazil that target limiting global warming to 1.5°C while accounting for emissions from maritime activities.

1. Enforce High Seas Treaty: Guterres called for nations to ratify and implement the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity beyond national waters through collective effort.

He also raised alarms regarding deep-sea mining practices, cautioning against allowing these regions to become unregulated territories akin to a “Wild West.” his support for responsible governance through bodies like the International Seabed authority was clear as he advocated for lasting management of ocean resources.

After addressing reporters, Guterres took time out at Nice’s Port Lympia aboard Santa Maria Manuela—a traditional Portuguese schooner—where he engaged with representatives from Oceano Azul Foundation based in Lisbon who are dedicated advocates against ocean degradation and champions of marine conservation efforts.As discussions unfolded at UNOC3,crowds gathered outside with an evident surge in grassroots activism led by civil society groups and youth advocates rallying behind calls for ocean protection. Among them were Arzucan Askin and Gayathra Bandara from Sustainable Ocean Alliance—a network focused on empowering young voices in environmental advocacy—who expressed their disappointment over some leaders’ support for expanding deep-sea mining but found hope in strong statements made by co-hosts France and Costa Rica advocating its suspension.

Askin voiced her desire for collective action against exploiting ancient deep-sea ecosystems essential not only now but also vital for future generations’ survival.

Activists Martina Burtscher and Udani hewa Maddumage from SeaSisters Lanka shared insights into their work empowering women through swimming education along Sri Lanka’s southern coastlines while emphasizing that saving our oceans should be central rather than peripheral in global dialogues surrounding decision-making processes related to environmental issues.

Burtscher stressed urgency regarding ocean protection while Maddumage pointed out that although humans depend on oceans’ health—they often contribute significantly towards their decline—underscoring why inclusive representation matters within forums like UNOC3 when discussing solutions moving forward.