World Oceans Day: “The Clock is Ticking”

A global push to strengthen protections for the world’s oceans began today in the city of Nice, France, where 30 research and exploration vessels sailed into the Bay of Angels to mark the opening of the third United Nations Ocean Conference. The launch coincided with the annual celebration of World Oceans Day.

This year’s parade theme is “Ocean Wonders,” which aims to draw attention to the importance of ocean conservation and inspire stronger commitments from governments. World leaders, scientists, and NGOs will gather to address ocean issues such as rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and marine pollution.

At the centre of this year’s conference is the drive to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which was agreed in 2023. Belize made history in 2024 by becoming the first Caribbean nation to formally ratify the agreement.

The Treaty will come into effect once 60 countries have signed and ratified it and enable nations to establish marine protected areas in international waters for the first time.

According to the High Seas Alliance’s Treaty Ratification Tracker, “The clock is ticking,” with 28 more countries still needed to ratify the Treaty before it can enter into force and become the world’s first international law focused on the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

“The High Seas Treaty is critical to ensuring we can protect biodiversity in the ocean,” said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “We’re in the middle of a biodiversity and climate crisis. We absolutely have to protect the ocean to address those crises.”

Sílvia Tavares from the Oceano Azul Foundation added, “The ambition is not there, the speed is not there, and the scale has not been there.”

Following today’s parade sail, the “Ocean Wonders” vessels will remain docked in the city’s bay and open to the public until 13 June.