At the UN Ocean Conference 2025
05/06/2025
Members of the Earth Commission and the Global Commons Alliance attended the UN Ocean Conference from June 9-13 in Nice, France, to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
Producing most of the world’s oxygen and covering more than 70% of our planet’s surface, the ocean plays a critical role for life on Earth. Yet ocean ecosystems are under immense pressure, with overfishing and habitat destruction from seafood production among the leading causes of ocean degradation. Without urgent action, the stability of marine ecosystems and global seafood supply chains is at risk, which will further weaken the ocean’s ability to mitigate climate change and stabilize the global commons.
A NEW BOUNDARY
A new working group within the Commission is working to define the first ever safe and just boundaries for the ocean. The boundaries set scientific thresholds on human activity to ensure the ocean remains healthy while balancing a stable planet with economic and social justice.
The Earth Commission has already established boundaries for five key areas of the Earth system: land, freshwater, climate, air and nutrient pollution. Setting these boundaries also requires a scientific approach to justice.
In March 2025, the Global Commons Alliance Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) launched the first-ever ocean science-based targets, starting with seafood. This milestone completes SBTN’s initial suite of science-based targets for nature – providing companies with a clear framework for environmental action across freshwater, land, and now ocean.
UNOC EVENTS
See below a listing of events from our partners and wider network. You can also contact Earth Commission ahead of events.
Monday June 9
Tuesday June 10
- Mobilizing finance for ocean actions in the support of SDG14 (UN) | 10am-1pm
- Panel discussion and roundtable: A Nature-Positive Future for Coastal Tourism (WWF) | 2-3.30PM
- Protecting Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs: A High-Level Commitment | 3.45-5pm
Wednesday June 11
- Nature Transition Lab event
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Solving the Sustainability Challenges at the Food-Climate-Biodiversity Nexus | Green Zone | 8.15-9.30amRoad from Nice to Belém: The Last Stand for Coral Reefs | 10.15-11.45pm
Thursday June 12
- Progress for an ocean positive future | 8.30-10.30am
- Driving a Regenerative Ocean Economy: Aligning Business, Policy, and Finance for Impact (WEF) | 10.30-11.45am
- Leveraging ocean, climate and biodiversity interlinkages (UN) | 10AM-1pm
- Solving the Sustainability Challenges at the Food-Climate-Biodiversity Nexus | Blue Zone | 5.30-6.45pm
