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Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
United action for blue sustainability - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in the French coastal city of Nice last week highlighted the environmental and other threats facing the world's seas and oceans. The azure waters of the Mediterranean like other seas and oceans worldwide have become a battleground for one of the 21st century's most pressing environmental fights. At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held from 9 to 13 June in Nice in France, over 190 nations came together to safeguard the world's seas and oceans, including the Mediterranean, in the face of threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. Events in Alexandria last month served as a living example of how warming seas and weather volatility are converging to cause damage to vulnerable Mediterranean coastlines. On the night of 31 May, the city experienced an unseasonally severe spring storm marked by heavy hail, strong winds, and widespread flooding, all of which led to the declaration of a state of emergency. The Egyptian coastal city is one of the most exposed in the world to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and more frequent storms and extreme weather events. Studies indicate that rising sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean fuel more intense storms. Warmer waters also give off more energy and moisture, intensifying storm formation. As the Alexandria storm shows, along with many other similar events across the world, extreme weather events can overwhelm urban drainage and infrastructure leading to potentially catastrophic consequences. The world's seas are facing threats on multiple fronts from plastic pollution to climate change, and according to the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM), the Mediterranean faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its ecosystems, economies, and communities. The Mediterranean generates more than $450 billion annually and is a vital resource for 510 million people in 22 countries. It is also warming at a rate 20 per cent faster than the global average and is threatened by pollution and overexploitation of resources. Experts predict that areas around the Mediterranean are expected to be uninhabitable in the next 25 years. Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean and other regions is not optional. It has become essential in the fight to reduce risk, safeguard communities, and build climate-resilient coastal zones, especially for a vulnerable Mediterranean region which hosts about 30 per cent of the world's economic activities. The high-level international gathering at this year's UNOC3 brought together government delegations, global financial institutions, NGOs, academic researchers, civil society, and private sector representatives to address the escalating challenges facing the world's oceans. The Mediterranean was the subject of a special focus with the organisation of a Mediterranean Day event that discussed reinforcing regional identity and cooperation across the Mediterranean Basin, integrating science, policy, and innovation to build resilient marine ecosystems, and most importantly promoting sustainable blue economy practices. 'There are three billion people around the world that depend on the marine ecosystem for their livelihood, for food, jobs, energy and more,' said Dubravka Šuica, European commissioner for the Mediterranean, during the UNOC3. Achieving peace and security in the Mediterranean region is necessary in order to build climate resilience and sustainable development in a period of geopolitical uncertainties, Šuica stated, adding that the European Union is preparing a new pact for the Mediterranean to encourage cooperation on issues such as renewable energy and hydrogen, security, and the green and blue economies. IMPORTANCE: The world's oceans cover 70 per cent of the planet's surface and regulate weather patterns, harbour rich biodiversity, and enable global trade. The Mediterranean, home to over 510 million people, is now warming faster than the global average, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This 'climate hotspot' faces worsening floods, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. 'The Mediterranean is impacted directly by the effects of climate change, as it is heating up by over 20 per cent more than the rest of the world. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent,' said France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Egypt, which borders the Eastern Mediterranean, is already feeling the effects of this, and from rising sea levels in Alexandria to saltwater intrusion in the Nile Delta, coastal communities are under siege. The devastation caused by the recent storms in Alexandria served as a sombre example of what could take place elsewhere in the Mediterranean region throughout the conference. Warming sea temperatures in the Mediterranean are fuelling more powerful storms, and what was once deemed a 'natural disaster' is increasingly being understood as the consequence of weakened natural buffers and degraded marine ecosystems. 'As the Alexandria incident shows, extreme weather overwhelms urban drainage and hard infrastructure. Healthy marine habitats like seagrass meadows offer a lost line of defence,' noted a UNOC3 report. Without intervention, such vulnerabilities could spiral into a dangerous feedback loop, with ecosystem degradation releasing carbon, weakening coastal resilience, and inviting further destruction. For Mediterranean nations like Egypt grappling with both economic fragility and mounting climate threats, the message from the UNOC3 was clear: the future of the sea is closely linked to the future of the people living around it. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad delivered Egypt's national statement at the UNOC3, describing the conference as a crucial global platform to rally collective efforts towards the preservation of natural resources, a cornerstone for sustaining life on Earth for present and future generations. She stressed that events in 2025 had starkly illustrated the interconnected nature of today's environmental threats. 'From rising sea levels and coral bleaching to intensifying extreme weather events and increased climate-driven migration, the global community must confront these compounding risks head-on,' Fouad stated, adding that plastic pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems, is also an escalating and urgent issue. Reaffirming Egypt's commitment to multilateral cooperation on environmental protection, Fouad outlined a range of national initiatives aimed at enhancing marine resilience and climate adaptation, including the construction of over 70 km of nature-based coastal infrastructure across five governorates, a comprehensive national climate adaptation plan developed with wide stakeholder involvement, and the rehabilitation of Egypt's northern lakes to improve livelihoods for fishing communities. Other notable efforts include the greening of strategic maritime hubs such as the ports of Damietta and Port Said, as well as key areas of the Suez Canal, alongside a seasonal ban on fishing in the Red Sea to support ecological recovery. Egypt thus took centre stage at the UNOC3 not just as a nation at risk but also as a potential regional leader in the blue transition. Nasser Kamel, secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), emphasised that 'sustainable development is key to unlocking economic growth potential' and praised Egypt's initiative to explore artificial coral nurseries as part of marine ecosystem restoration. Marine ecosystems are frontline allies in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, he said. Kamel praised the region's sustainable blue economy community as a global inspiration and the UfM's pioneering role in fostering political and technical dialogue. 'In the face of geopolitical unrest, the sustainable blue economy unites us despite differences,' Kamel said. 'We remain committed to leveraging our platform for 43 UfM member states and stakeholders to mobilise investment and promote sustainable, equitable development.' THE MEDITERRANEAN: Covering one per cent of the world's ocean area but hosting over 18 per cent of its marine biodiversity, the Mediterranean Sea is vital to the region. It supports the livelihoods of some 510 million people across 22 countries and generates more than $450 billion annually in revenues. Yet, it is now under severe pressure from pollution, overfishing, unsustainable tourism, and climate change. Alessandra Sensi, head of the environment and green and blue economy sector at the UfM, said that the Mediterranean region is the most affected in the world by climate change, making action to fight its effects more necessary than ever. However, despite such challenges, the region is becoming ever more united to face them, providing human, technical and financial resources to find solutions according to local priorities, she added. 'The UFM helps fundraise and attract investment from different donors to help implement the priorities which are chosen together by the members of the UFM,' she said, adding that the organisation is working to make sure that the Southern Mediterranean countries have access to more funding and opportunities for investment through an integrated approach, along with projects related to preserving ecosystems and developing a sustainable blue economy including marine litter, marine protected areas, and other initiatives such as the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP), a funding mechanism born at the UN COP27 Climate Change Conference held in Egypt in 2022. The BMP was highlighted at the UFM's Mediterranean Day event at the UNOC3, and with support from donors such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Agence francaise de developpement (AFD), the German bank KfW, the Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and Spain, it aims to mobilise over €1 billion for sustainable marine projects in Southern Mediterranean countries. It targets investments in wastewater treatment, waste management, renewables and sustainable aquaculture, aiming to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. Among its inaugural initiatives is a wastewater treatment project in Alexandria backed by €2 million in technical assistance. Spain formally signed an €8.5 million contribution to the BMP at the conference. In addition to the wastewater facility in Alexandria, the Fund is also supporting Morocco's first offshore wind farm and coral ecosystem restoration in Jordan. 'The early-stage support [that the fund supplies] is crucial,' said Andrea Tinagli, principal advisor at the EIB. 'Technical assistance helps projects become bankable and attract larger future investments.' The signing occurred at a UfM-led event on 'Charting the Path towards the Sustainable Blue Economy: the Mediterranean leading the Way' held on the UNOC3 Mediterranean Day. It highlighted the region's role in advancing the use of sustainable marine resources to promote socioeconomic development. Sara Aagesen, Spain's minister for the ecological transition, said during the UNOC3's Mediterranean Day event that the Mediterranean is a hub of biodiversity and provides livelihoods for millions of people. It needs collaborative work to ensure the urgent protection of its marine ecosystem and in turn to ensure food security, she said, adding that 'we live at a critical moment, demanding a serious plan to safeguard current and future generations.' Since the 2015 UfM Ministerial Declaration on the Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) and its 2021 follow-up, more than €500 million has been mobilised for over 250 regional projects. Launched at the COP27 in Egypt and reinforced at the COP28 in Dubai, the BMP fosters early-stage support to attract private-sector investment in fully bankable projects, explained Camilla Otto, director of donor co-financing at the EBRD. She highlighted the BMP's role in creating enabling environments through strategy, policy, and regulatory framework development. 'The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of investment,' she said. 'Blue finance helps ensure marine projects are not just dreams, but deliverables.' Adoni Herrera-Martinez, EBRD's director of environment and sustainability, stressed the importance of policy and regulatory reforms to accelerate nature-based solutions and boost sustainable blue economy investment. 'The BMP connects all stakeholders to realise a sustainable blue economy,' said Ewa Manik, associate director at the EBRD. 'It reduces risk and cost through technical assistance and capacity building.' Delilah Al Khudhairy, director of Maritime Policy and Blue Economy at the European Commission, said that 'the Mediterranean Sea is setting the path for the sustainable blue economy, and we need to unlock the financial support needed,' adding that the BMP strengthened ties with the EU's Southern Neighbourhood Countries. With the Mediterranean's blue economy projected to double its €1.5 trillion value by 2030, balancing development and conservation is a central challenge. But tourism, maritime transport, and fisheries, all pillars of this economy, face immense pressure. CLIMATE POLICY: Two key scientific reports from the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) pointed to this urgency. The first explored coastal risks, highlighting the fact that one third of the Mediterranean's population lives near the sea and faces direct threats from rising waters and storms. The second focused on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, warning that water demand could double or triple by 2050 in the region. Loïc Fauchon, president of the World Water Council (WWC), noted the potential of desalination in producing more fresh water. 'The cost of this has dropped significantly from $20 to just 30 cents per cubic metre. This is a game-changer for water-scarce nations like Egypt,' he said. 'We should not separate land and sea when we talk about action for the marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean region. We need to have water for agriculture. The demographics of the region need to be taken into consideration while the region is impacted by touristic and demographic pressure,' Fauchon stated. Among the most significant developments at the UNOC3 was the near ratification of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) that would establish legal authority to create marine protected areas in international waters. With over 55 countries already on board and just five short of the 60 needed, the treaty is expected to enter into force by early 2026. Other major outcomes included a political declaration, the 'Nice Ocean Action Plan,' outlining commitments on fisheries, pollution, and sustainable finance. As Egypt positions itself at the nexus of regional marine action, the message from the Nice Conference was clear: the cost of inaction would be far too high for the future of the world's seas and oceans. 'The sustainable blue economy unites us despite our differences,' said UfM Secretary-General Nasser Kamel. 'Now is the time to act, not only for the sea, but also for the people who depend on it.' Fouad closed her speech to the conference with a clarion call. 'The Mediterranean Sea unites us. It is our shared responsibility to pursue ambitious and practical actions to safeguard our water resources and marine ecosystems,' she said. * A version of this article appears in print in the 19 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
S'pore seeks to play constructive role in global efforts on ocean-related issues: Vivian
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan delivering Singapore's national statement at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, on June 10. PHOTO: MFA NICE, France – Singapore is a small island state, and the oceans and seas are 'inextricably tied' to the nation's survival and well-being, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on June 13. 'That is why we have always sought to play a constructive role in global efforts on oceans-related issues,' he said in an e-mailed statement to The Straits Times on the final day of the United Nations Ocean Conference. The event in Port Lympia in Nice, France, is held from June 9 to 13. 'The oceans enable maritime trade, food and energy security, and support livelihoods,' said Dr Balakrishnan. 'These are vital to Singapore as a country with trade about three times our GDP and one which depends on imports for our energy and food resources.' Maritime transport moves more than 80 per cent of goods traded worldwide. Other than being a source of seafood and recreation, the ocean also generates 50 per cent of the oxygen people need, absorbs 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by these emissions. As a small low-lying island with no buffer, Singapore is also highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change on the oceans such as sea-level rise, coastal degradation or marine pollution, he added. The minister said Singapore has been participating actively at the UN Ocean Conferences. Singapore served as one of the vice-presidents of the conference. Dr Balakrishnan had also chaired a plenary session at the event. This year's summit, which gathers representatives from 193 countries, is in its third iteration . Its aim is for countries to adopt an 'action-oriented and inter-governmentally agreed declaration', dubbed the Nice Ocean Action Plan, according to the United Nations. Various issues were discussed at the conference and its side events, including how to better finance marine conservation, such as through new financing instruments like coral reef bonds, and the importance of developing countries being given assistance to build capabilities to study their marine environments. Previous editions of the UN Ocean Conferences were held in 2017 and 2022. Korea will host the fourth one in 2028. Dr Balakrishnan said the summit is an important platform where countries mobilise action for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources. 'This includes reaffirming the international community's commitment to uphold the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos),' he said. Unclos sets out the legal framework for all activities carried out in the oceans and seas. In 2023, Singapore helped to broker an agreement under Unclos on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity outside national jurisdictions. Among other things, the treaty paves the way for marine protected areas to be established in waters outside national jurisdictions, which cover over two-thirds of the ocean. The High Seas Treaty, officially called the Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, will enter into force after 60 countries ratify it. Singapore ratified the agreement in September 2024 – one of 51 countries to have done so, so far. Dr Balakrishnan said the summit helps to advance collective efforts to protect the oceans, including getting more countries to ratify the BBNJ Agreement. ST checks showed that almost 20 countries, including Indonesia and Vietnam, had ratified the agreement over the course of the conference. Countries are also urged to make voluntary commitments on ways to ensure the health and resilience of the ocean during the summit. In his delivery of Singapore's national statement, Dr Balakrishnan had said Singapore would be renewing 15 of the past voluntary commitments it made to support ocean health, and undertaking 12 new ones. New commitments include efforts to restore coral reefs and seagrass meadows in the Republic. Dr Balakrishnan also said that as the protection of our global commons in the oceans requires collective efforts, Singapore is also committed to providing capacity building assistance to developing countries. Under the Singapore Cooperation Programme's Sustainability Action Package, Singapore has conducted over 60 courses for more than 1,600 officials covering issues from rising sea levels to the law of the sea. Audrey Tan is an assistant news editor overseeing sustainability coverage. She has reported on the environment for more than a decade and hosts the Green Pulse podcast series. Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Earthna co-launches MENA coastal resilience programme
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future has launched The Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience (BEFCR) programme in partnership with MENA Oceans initiative by Goumbook. This strategic initiative was unveiled at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on June 7, 2025, in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is taking place in France from June 9 to 13, 2025. BEFCR is the first initiative of its kind in the region and aims to accelerate regenerative blue economies, strengthen climate resilience in coastal cities, protect marine biodiversity, and unlock investment in ocean infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The programme's first phase, running from June 2025 to January 2026, will deliver a strategic landscape assessment of key blue economy sectors in MENA. The outcome will be a regional roadmap that supports infrastructure resilience, ocean health, and economic growth in coastal cities. The BEFCR programme reflects Earthna's broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience. 'The launch of the BEFCR Programme reflects our shared conviction at Earthna that climate resilience in MENA's coastal cities must be rooted in both science and innovation. By aligning economic growth with ecosystem regeneration, we are paving new pathways for sustainable prosperity across the region,' said Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, CEO, Earthna. BEFCR will focus on six key sectors - maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore energy, fisheries, desalination, and coastal development. The initiative seeks to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, identify investment gaps, enhance coastal protection, and promote nature-based and hybrid infrastructure solutions. Earthna will co-lead Phase 1 of the programme, including the production of the Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience Outlook Report, to be released at the 3rd MENA Oceans Summit in late 2025. The programme emerged as a flagship outcome of the MENA Blue Finance Leadership Think Tank, convened at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum by MENA Oceans in partnership with the UN Climate Champions Team. The forum gathered policy makers, scientists and private-sector leaders to reshape the role of finance in advancing marine resilience and ocean-positive outcomes in the of new programme to accelerate regenerative blue economies and marine biodiversity protection across MENA
Mid East Info
11-06-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
From Nice to Abu Dhabi: Global Forum Builds Momentum for Ocean Action Beyond UNOC3
Nice, France – June, 2025 — With momentum building around ocean action at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, a high-level forum titled ' The Ocean Relay: From Nice to Abu Dhabi ' emerged as a defining moment, convening global and regional leaders to map out a bold, coordinated path for marine and coastal health and sustainability. Held at La Baleine at the Palais des Expositions de Nice and convened in strategic partnership by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Republic of France, the forum — facilitated by MENA Oceans, an initiative by Goumbook — featured the official announcement of the Nice – Abu Dhabi Manifesto, bridging outcomes from UNOC3 with the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress (Abu Dhabi, October 2025), and the UN Water Conference (UAE, December 2026). During the event, Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race handed over the Nature's Baton to HE Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri – Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. Nature's Baton is a symbol of the Relay4Nature joint initiative between Peter Thomson and The Ocean Race, which helps give the ocean a voice on the critical issues affecting our planet at landmark events where decisions are made about the environment. This pivotal event underscored the urgency of sustaining focus on ocean action beyond UNOC3, and aligning priorities to advance ecosystem health, foster a regenerative Blue Economy, and enhance interlinkages between critical nature agendas. In her remarks, H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri , Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Global Vice Chair of SDG 14, emphasized the UAE's commitment to international cooperation: 'As we convene in Nice and look ahead to Abu Dhabi, it is clear that our collective future depends on unified action for our oceans. The UAE is proud to lead and champion this momentum through international partnerships that align coastal and marine priorities. By building bridges between regions and reinforcing science-based policies, we are laying the groundwork for lasting impact – where ocean health becomes a cornerstone of global climate resilience and sustainable development.' 'After the One Ocean Summit in 2022, and as co-host of the third United Nations Ocean Conference this week in Nice, France remains strongly committed to protecting the ocean as a crucial climate regulator and reservoir of invaluable biodiversity.' H.E. Barbara Pompili, France Ambassador for the Environment, said. 'IUCN is a long-standing partner and a key ally in preserving ocean resources. Through this Nice – Abu Dhabi Manifesto, we reaffirm together our shared ambition to safeguard the ocean.' 'After UNOC3, we are accountable to the commitments made in Nice. The Ocean Relay has affirmed that the ocean agenda is continuous, and it needs to be carried forward through sustained commitment, credible, science-based action, and collaborative partnerships across sectors' said Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. 'With only five years to achieve the 30×30 target, partnerships like the one that underscores this Manifesto are vital to keep ambition high and step-up actions to protect oceans. IUCN and France have been allies for decades, and we are pleased to continue working together to advance the mandates forged here and translate them into coordinated, equitable pathways to transformative change, as we look towards the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, and beyond.' Tatiana Antonelli Abella , founder and managing director of Goumbook and Chair of the MENA Oceans Initiative , highlighted the importance of sustained momentum for lasting progress: 'Taking the outcomes from UNOC3 here in Nice forward, The Ocean Relay has helped lay the foundations of a purpose-driven agenda that bridges science, policy, and ground realities. As we look toward Abu Dhabi and the milestones ahead, the imperative is to build collaborative pathways that drive this momentum onward and turn our shared ambition into coordinated, measurable progress for ocean health and coastal resilience.' Session Highlights: Following keynotes by H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri and Minister Barbara Pompili, the panel discussion centred on transformative efforts and opportunities for global collaboration that would turn the tide on ocean conservation beyond the midway point of the UN Ocean Decade (2021 – 2030). Among the forum's key outcomes were commitments to: Align ocean and water conservation priorities across global milestones and within broader environmental policies both regionally and globally Mobilise state and non-state actors to collaboratively accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) Drive forward initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and advance practical solutions for lasting ocean health and coastal resilience Looking ahead towards Abu Dhabi and the evolving trajectory of the global ocean agenda beyond it, 'The Ocean Relay', and the commitments highlighted therein, set the tone for actionable and forward-looking frameworks to deliver lasting change for ocean and coastal systems globally. About Goumbook: Goumbook is a social enterprise dedicated to accelerating Sustainability and Climate Action in the UAE and beyond since 2009. Goumbook shapes the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. Through their programmes and initiatives, Goumbook mobilises cross sectorial stakeholders to drive action. By addressing the unique challenges faced by the MENA region, Goumbook ensures that MENA's priorities are at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. Goumbook raises awareness, develops and runs initiatives, advises and consults to change mindsets and create impact on the current and future living experience of the people in the MENA region. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD: Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda. About IUCN : IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 17,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people's well-being.
United News of India
10-06-2025
- Science
- United News of India
India pushes for global ocean pact at UN summit
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) India on Tuesday made a powerful pitch for global ocean pact at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), even as Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the country's leadership in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic reduction, and sustainable coastal development. Addressing the international gathering, Dr. Singh showcased India's ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, including the upcoming deployment of its first manned submersible, Samudrayaan, by 2026. He also emphasised India's national ban on single-use plastics, progress on the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, and the launch of the SAHAV digital ocean data portal, signaling India's rising influence in marine science and governance, according to a Union Science and Technology Ministry's statement. The Minister dwelled in details about the USD 80 billion port-led projects under the Sagarmala Programme as well as USD 2.5 Billion Fisheries Investment through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Minister also said that as a green initiative to combat climate change threats, 6.6% of EEZ has been declared marine protected areas to support biodiversity goals, the statement added. 'Also, since 2022, over 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste removed from coastlines while 10,000 plus hectares of mangroves and nature-based shoreline solutions have been restored,' said the Minister. He also called on global leaders to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, finalize a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and adopt a bold Nice Ocean Action Plan to accelerate action for SDG-14: Life Below Water. Dr. Singh underscored the urgent need for science-driven, inclusive global partnerships. "The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility. India stands ready to collaborate across sectors and borders for a sustainable ocean future," he declared. India also played a prominent role in global dialogues—co-leading Blue Talks with France and Costa Rica, and hosting high-level side sessions on marine spatial planning and climate-resilient coasts, he added. UNI AJ SSP
