Protecting Our Blue Pacific: IUCN Oceania at the UN Ocean Conference

The IUCN Oceania team is here on the ground in Nice, France, for the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3). As global leaders, scientists, and communities gather to discuss the future of our ocean, we are proud to represent the Pacific and bring our voices, stories, and solutions to the world stage.

This year’s theme is clear and urgent: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”

For Pacific Island nations, the ocean isn’t just something we protect — it’s who we are. It’s our home, our heritage, and our lifeline. But the ocean is under threat. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are already affecting the daily lives of Pacific communities.

That’s why we’re here at UNOC3, to speak up for the Pacific and to work with others on real solutions that can make a difference.

What IUCN Oceania Is Doing at UNOC3

As the IUCN Regional Office for Oceania, our presence at UNOC3 is vital. It’s a chance to ensure Pacific priorities are heard and reflected in global ocean discussions. We are here to represent the unique realities of our region and to help shape solutions that work for island communities. For Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), the ocean is life. It feeds us, protects us, and defines who we are.

That’s why we are focused on real, practical ways to support the Pacific through our work. At IUCN Oceania, we are helping countries blend traditional knowledge with science to create strong, culturally grounded ocean policies. We support Nature-based Solutions like mangrove restoration and reef conservation, which strengthen coastal resilience and protect biodiversity.

We are also backing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and pushing for it to become legally binding. This agreement is key to protecting marine life in areas beyond national borders—areas that matter deeply to the Pacific.

At the same time, we are calling for more targeted investment in the region. Through the idea of a ‘One Ocean Finance Facility’, we are encouraging global partners to support local and national efforts with the funding, tools, and capacity needed to protect our ocean for generations to come.

IUCN Oceania Side Event: Charting Pacific Blue – June 10

To further spotlight Pacific leadership, IUCN Oceania is hosting a side event tomorrow, 10 June, here in Nice: Charting Pacific Blue: Accelerating 30x30 through Regional Roadmaps and Inclusive Marine Conservation

This event will showcase how Pacific nations are leading the way toward the 30x30 goal — protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 — through strong national actions and regional collaboration.

We will highlight:

• Country-driven efforts and coordination by organisations like IUCN Oceania and SPREP through initiatives such as BIOPAMA

• Regional roadmaps and policy frameworks guiding marine protection, aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework

• Tools and support from IUCN’s BIOPAMA, COLOURS, and Green List that help countries turn plans into action.

• Powerful stories of community and Indigenous leadership in ocean stewardship, including recognition of OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures)

• The vital role of partnerships in financing, governance, and long-term support for marine conservation in the Pacific

This is more than just a side event. It’s a moment to celebrate Pacific solutions and to call for deeper global partnerships that can help scale up what’s already working.

At UNOC3, we are sharing powerful stories from the region — from community-led marine protected areas to youth-driven conservation projects. These stories show that Pacific people are not just vulnerable to ocean threats, we are leaders in ocean protection.

The ocean connects us all. What happens in the Pacific matters everywhere. UNOC3 is a chance to move from promises to action.

We are here to make sure the Pacific is heard — and that the world understands what’s at stake.