“We are the oceans”, By Marc Fonbaustier

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In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyone’s business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

From 9 to 13 June, France will be hosting the third United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UNOC, or United Nations Ocean Conference). For this crucial event, some 100 heads of state and government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France’s aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action.

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The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge.

One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet the oceans are in danger. They remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The numbers are worrying: More than eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science. Moreover, more than a third of the fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change.

We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans.

Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The “Nice Ocean Agreements” will form a genuine international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

To this end, the talks in Nice need to be very operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas.

Nigeria was one of the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement, and the process towards the ratification of this agreement is ongoing. More than ever, we must take action together and make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point. Your commitment will be decisive for sustainable management of the high seas. France will be delighted to welcome Nigeria to Nice to celebrate the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement. 

When it comes to governance, the is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 per cent of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force.

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The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment.

Lastly, how can we protect what we know not – or know insufficiently? We need to enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans – which cover 70 per cent of Earth’s surface – remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness.

In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyone’s business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

Nigeria was one of the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement, and the process towards the ratification of this agreement is ongoing. More than ever, we must take action together and make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point. Your commitment will be decisive for sustainable management of the high seas. France will be delighted to welcome Nigeria to Nice to celebrate the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement. We are counting on you.

Marc Fonbaustier, Ambassador of France to Nigeria