IUCN statement to 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference 2025

Statement by Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General 

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, expresses its gratitude to the governments of France and Costa Rica for  organizing this successful conference.

Our ocean is a source of life, wonder, and opportunity – and it needs us now more than ever. This is our moment to unite across borders and sectors, to protect and restore the ocean that sustains our planet. By doing so, we are investing in a resilient, thriving future for generations to come.

We have the science, tools, and knowledge to act. IUCN supports the creation of an International Panel for Ocean Sustainability – one that integrates science, Indigenous knowledge, and local experience to guide bold action. Let us scale up protection of the ocean, restore vital ecosystems, and adopt Sustainable Ocean Planning everywhere. Nature-based Solutions must be part of this path, guided by the IUCN Global Standard. Marine Protected Areas must demonstrate effective management and deliver measurable positive conservation outcomes as per the IUCN Green List standard for protected and conserved areas.

The adoption of the High Seas Treaty shows that even in challenging times, the global community can come together for nature. But now we must get beyond just promises.

To protect 30% of our Ocean – we need the BBNJ Treaty, therefore, IUCN urges all Member States to ratify the Agreement to bring this it into force and ensure its effective and equitable implementation. We also encourage Member States to adopt the new declaration on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction High Ambition Coalition.

We must also carry the same determination into the final phase of negotiations for a Plastics Treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic and puts biodiversity at its heart. And of course, to turn ambition into action, we need financing.

To meet that demand, we must move beyond fragmented, project-by-project funding. It is time for a coordinated, global approach that channels capital efficiently and equitably—particularly toward communities and countries on the frontlines. This means mobilising diverse sources of finance, including proceeds from ocean-linked industries, and deploying them through blended instruments that match the sustainable transition needs. From solidarity levies to insurance tools and blue bonds, the financial toolkit is emerging—but we now need the platform to scale it. That’s why IUCN supports the creation of a One Ocean Finance Facility, to drive resources toward marine resilience and ocean-positive economies at scale.

Lastly, I invite you all to the IUCN World Conservation Congress this October in Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest gathering for nature empowering transformative conservation – where we will advance the Nice Ocean Action Plan together.

Let us think of the Ocean as our one shared home, the blue water flowing in our veins. It is the Ocean that gives us life.

We must act with unity, courage, and urgency – to protect our precious blue planet.

Thank you.