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Large event 03 Jun, 2025

IUCN at the UN Ocean Conference, 2025 (UNOC)

From 3-13 June 2025, an IUCN delegation is participating in the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and precursor events, “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”

Browse this page for relevant event information, IUCN Ocean resources and policy positions. It will be updated regularly to reflect latest news from the conference. 

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Photo: UNOC

Taking place within the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), UNOC will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France. 

Building on the 2017 and 2022 ocean conferences, this will be the first UN Ocean Conference since the adoption of the legal agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework and the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, as well as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution discussions.  

You can find here the link to the conference official webpage and the programme of official side-events.

IUCN and Partner Events at UNOC and Precursor Conferences

The IUCN Team is participating in multiple events. Please join us live or you are also welcome online via livestream. See below for details.

 

Click to jump to events for each Conference: 

 

 

Click any event link to jump to detailed event info 

UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

DateEventTimeLocationCategory 
IUCN Co-hosted Events (Blue Zone, Green Zone) 
June 6thBeyond sustainability: the promise of the Regenerative Blue Economy, from concept to practice12:45 - 14:00Green Zone, Room OrcaPanel 
June 9thAccelerating Partnerships and Action for Effective and Equitable Ocean Protection - The ocean pathway to 30x3014:00 - 15:15Blue Zone Room 4Panel 
June 9thCelebrating High Seas Action: Accelerating the Race for Ratification12:15 - 13:30Blue ZonePanel 
June 9thSustainable seas: A holistic approach to thriving fisheries and oceans12:15 - 13:00Trade & Blue Food House, La BaleinePanel 
June 10thA toolkit for achieving effective area-based conservation in the ocean: The MPA Guide and mOECM Guide12:45 - 14:15Auditorium, #ForCoral PavilionPanel 
June 10thThe MedFund: an innovative financial mechanism17:30 - 18:15Blue Zone Room 3Panel 
June 10thCharting Pacific Blue: Accelerating 30x30 through Regional Roadmaps and Inclusive Marine Conservation17:30 - 21:00Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la MéditerranéePanel 
June 11thQuality counts: Evidence-based tools for 30x30 ocean conservation in MPAs and OECMs10:15 - 11:00La Baleine - Manta RoomPanel 
June 11thThe BBNJ Agreement as a catalyst for action12:15 - 13:30Blue Zone Room 5Panel 
June 11thLaunch of the Global Coalition to Halt the Extinction of Sharks and Rays13:30-14:15Green Zone, Auditorium Nautilus (second level)Panel 
June 11thProtecting the High Seas: Ambitious Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement15:30 - 17:30RV Meteor, Quai Ile de Beauté Panel 
June 11thLaunch Event for “A Call To Action To Support and Safeguard Ocean Defenders”17:30 - 18:45Ocean Basecamp, Green ZoneLaunch event 
June 12thLeading by Doing - Progress Towards 30x3012:15 - 13:30Blue Zone Room 4Panel 
June 12thComprehensive Management Regimes: A Holistic Approach to Thriving Fisheries and Oceans10:00 - 11:30Chambre de Commerce et d’IndustriePanel 
June 12thScaling Blue Carbon Investments: Enabling Financing for Seagrass and Coastal Ecosystems14:00-15:15Blue Zone, Room 1Panel 
June 12thGlobal MSP: Frameworks for Maritime Spatial Planning for Nature-Positive Offshore Wind14:00-15:30 VirtualPanel 
June 12thConservation of Marine Animal Species17:30-18:45Blue Zone Room 2Panel 
June 12thClean Shores, Thriving Communities: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Caribbean through a Collaborative Approach17:00 - 18:00VirtualPanel 
June 13thSafeguarding Deep-Sea Biodiversity and the Climate10:30-11:45Blue Zone Room 3Panel 
June 13thTreasures of the high seas14:00-15:15Blue Zone Room 3Panel 
June 13thMobilizing the GEF Partnership for the ocean14:00-15:15Blue Zone Room 2Panel 
Other IUCN-linked Events 
June 10thHigh Ambitions & Deep Commitments for the High Seas18:30-20:30Ocean House at UNOC3Reception 
June 12thTurning Ambition into Action: River cleanup innovations16:00-17:00Anantara Plaza Nice HotelPanel 

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One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC)

DateEventTimeLocationCategory
 
June 4Greening the Blue: IUCN Green List for protected and conserved areas9:00-10:00Room 2, Port LympiaScience Policy Dialogue
June 4Difficult to define and deeply damaging: the huge cost of non-selective fisheries for marine biodiversity9:00-10:00Room 2, Port LympiaScience Policy Presentation
June 4The BBNJ Agreement and the Great Blue Wall: Unlocking Ocean Conservation and Capacity for Africa16:00 - 17.30

Room 1, Port Lympia

Oral Session
June 5

Scientific support to the BBNJ Agreement

 

TBDTBDScience Policy Dialogue
June 6Deep seabed mining and how it affects human rights11:10Room 3Science Policy Presentation

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Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF)

DateEventTimeLocationCategory
 
June 7thInnovative financial mechanisms ensuring long term health of our oceans11:30 - 13:00Grimaldi ForumSide event
June 7thOne Ocean Finance: Financing a Regenerative & Sustainable Blue Economy17:00-18:30TBDSide event
June 7thSolution Hub at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum11:30-13:00TBDSide event
June 8thAdvancing the financing roadmap for seagrass blue carbon protection in the Mediterranean15:00-16:30Stelios Philanthropic  foundationSide event

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Event Details

All events are shown in local time (Nice/Monaco, CEST - UTC+2)

 

 

  

IUCN Hosted and co-Hosted Events at UNOC (Blue Zone, Green Zone)

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Beyond sustainability: the promise of the Regenerative Blue Economy, from concept to practice 
  • Date: June 6th
  • Time: 12:45-14:00
  • Location: Green Zone, Room Orca
  • Co-Organizer: IUCN, French Development Agency (AFD)
  • IUCN Role: IUCN Ocean Team, IUCN ESARO

This side event will explore the added value of a regenerative blue economy as a model for achieving ocean conservation, as well as socio-economic objectives, to meet the commitments of SDG14 “Beyond sustainability”.  

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Accelerating Partnerships and Action for Effective and Equitable Ocean Protection - The ocean pathway to 30x30
  • Date: June 9th
  • Time: 14:00-15:15
  • Location: Blue Zone Room 4
  • Organizer: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
  • Co-Organizers: Blue Action Fund, Blue Marine Foundation, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, Dominican Republic, Friends of Ocean Action, Global Environment Facility, Mercuria, Mexico, Minderoo Foundation, Oceano Azul Foundation, Panama, Sweden, United Nations Environment Program, World Resource Institute, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
  • IUCN Role: Main IUCN event. Speakers include IUCN president

Launch of the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan to drive bold, inclusive and impactful action and partnerships for ocean protection, with high-level panels and new commitments toward SDG 14,2 & KM GBF Target 3.

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Sustainable seas: A holistic approach to thriving fisheries and oceans 
  • Date: June 9th
  • Time: 12:15-13:00
  • Location: La Baleine
  • Co-Organizers: European Bureau for Conservation and Development, Marine Stewardship Council
  • IUCN Role: IUCN CEM Fisheries Expert Group

This side-event aims to highlight cross-sectoral solutions that integrate policy, regulatory, and financial mechanisms for integrated, ecosystem-based fisheries management. Presenters will each demonstrate how scientific, socioeconomic, and adaptive approaches are being operationalised to drive measurable progress toward achieving SDG 14.4 and showcase real-world examples of fisheries that have transitioned to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems through effective management practices. More information and registration here.

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Celebrating High Seas Action: Accelerating the Race for Ratification & Ambitious Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement
UNOC 2025 Celebrating High Seas Action: Accelerating the Race for Ratification - event flyer
IUCN
  • Date: June 9th
  • Time: 12:15-13:30
  • Location: Blue Zone
  • Organizer: High Seas Alliance
  • Co-Organizers: Gov't: Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, European Union, France, Germany, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, The Maldives, Philippines, Org's: IUCN, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bloomberg Philanthropies Ocean Initiatives
  • IUCN Role: Adopt HAC BBNJ declaration and announce EU GOP Technical Assistance Facility

This event will bring together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and philanthropy to celebrate progress on the High Seas, in particular spotlighting advances in ratifying the Treaty, the next phase for the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, and reaffirming a shared commitment to sustaining political momentum for implementing the Treaty swiftly, equitably, and effectively.

 

A toolkit for achieving effective area-based conservation in the ocean: The MPA Guide and mOECM Guide
  • Date: June 10th
  • Time: 12:45-14:15
  • Location: Green Zone Auditorium, #ForCoral Pavillion
  • Organizer: ICRI / Bloomberg
  • Co-Organizers: OSU, UNEP-WCMC, IUCN WCPA, IIFB, MCI, National Geographic
  • IUCN Role: IUCN WCPA

 

The MedFund: an innovative financial mechanism supporting Global Biodiversity Framework, lessons from the Mediterranean to the global ocean
  • Date: June 10th
  • Time: 17:30-18:15
  • Location: Blue Zone Room 3
  • Organizer: Monaco
  • Co-Organizers: The MedFund, Monaco (Government), France (Government), Tunisia (Government), Spain (Government), SPA/RAC (United Nations), MedPAN (NGO), Conservatoire du littoral (other relevant actor), IUCN Med (multilateral body), The GEF, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (philanthropy), Agence française de development
  • IUCN Role: IUCN MED

Celebrating the 10 years anniversary of MedFund. A cooperation between France, Monaco and Tunisia for the benefit of Mediterranean MPAs.

 

Charting Pacific Blue: Accelerating 30x30 through Regional Roadmaps and Inclusive Marine Conservation
  • Date: June 10th
  • Time: 17:30-21:00
  • Location: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
  • Organizer: IUCN Biopama
  • Co-Organizers: Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Nouvelle Caledonie, Samoa, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Pacific Theological College
  • IUCN Role: IUCN Protected and Conserved Area team

The event will showcase Pacific leadership and progress toward 30x30, including country-driven efforts and regional coordination through IUCN SPREP under BIOPAMA. It will also highlight regional roadmaps and policy frameworks that are guiding marine protection and aligning with the Global Biodiversity
Framework by Regional Organisations such as SPREP, IUCN Oceania Regional Office. Presentation will showcase tools and technical support provided through IUCN’s BIOPAMA, COLOURS, and Green List initiatives that complement national and regional action. Lastly, the event will celebrate inclusive and community-led ocean stewardship, including the role of Indigenous knowledge systems, faith-based contributions, and the recognition of OECMs.

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Quality counts: Evidence-based tools for 30x30 ocean conservation in MPAs and OECMs
  • Date: June 11th
  • Time: 10:15-11:00
  • Location: La Baleine - MANTA Room
  • Co-Organizers: Pew Charitable Trust, IUCN WCPA, OSU, KUA 

 

 

The BBNJ Agreement as a catalyst for action to achieve SDG14: Looking ahead to opportunities and challenges for effective implementation
  • Date: June 11th
  • Time: 12:15-13:30
  • Location: Blue Zone, Room 5
  • Organizer: DOALOS
  • Co-Organizers: Costa Rica, France, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Institut du développement durable et des relations internationales (IDDRI), University of Edinburgh
  • IUCN Role: Minna Epps

Panel discussion on the BBNJ Agreement as a catalyst for action to achieve SDG14, focusing on opportunities and challenges for effective implementation.

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Launch of the Global Coalition to Halt the Extinction of Sharks and Rays
  • Date: June 11th
  • Time: 13:30-14:15
  • Location: Green Zone, Auditorium Nautilus (second floor)
  • Organizer: France
  • Co-Organizers: IUCN, TRAFFIC, WWF, Convention on Migratory Species 
  • IUCN Role: IUCN Shark Specialists Group

Launch of new global Coalition to bring together governments and organizations committed to reversing the alarming decline in shark and ray populations. The event will present the vision and key action pillars of the Coalition, including examples of efforts by countries in line with the initiative. 

event shark UNOC3

 

Protecting the High Seas: Ambitious Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement
  • Date: June 11th
  • Time: 15:30-17:30
  • Location: German research vessel METEOR, Quai Ile de Beauté, Nice
  • Organizer: Germany
  • Co-Organizers: GIZ, IUCN, GOBI
  • IUCN Role: IUCN Ocean Team

This event will bring together experts from governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society to discuss the concrete steps needed to turn the BBNJ Agreement into meaningful action.

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Launch Event for “A Call To Action To Support and Safeguard Ocean Defenders”
  • Date: June 11th
  • Time: 17:30-18:45
  • Location: Ocean Basecamp, Green Zone
  • Organizer: The Ocean Defenders Project
  • Co-Organizers: IUCN CEESP, WWF, AIDA, UBC, Rise Up; Additional partners: UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention; Conservation International; ICCA Consortium (Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas and Territories Consortium); Observatorio Ciudadano de Chile; MarViva; Walton Family Foundation; Environmental Defense Fund; Oceana; Flora and Fauna International; SeaVoice; Swedish Society for Nature Conservation; Community Action for Nature Conservation (CANCO); Ocean Uprise; Natiora Ocean Defenders; Mundus Maris; Tinta; Platform for African Women Fish Processors and Traders (AWFISHNET).
  • IUCN Role: IUCN CEESP

This event will amplify the voices and stories of ocean defenders, highlighting their challenges, resistance efforts, hopes and the types of support they need, and invite governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, funders, and others to mobilize in support of ocean defenders. 

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Comprehensive Management Regimes: A Holistic Approach to Thriving Fisheries and Oceans
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 10:00-11:30
  • Location: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
  • Organizer: European Bureau for Conservation and Development
  • Co-Organizers: Japan, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS); International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA); Europêche; Comité National des Pêches Maritimes et des Elevages Marins (CNPMEM); Consejo  Mexicano de Promoción de los Productos Pesqueros y Acuícolas (COMEPESCA); Satlink; Alianza Latinoamericana para la Pesca Sustentable y Seguridad Alimentaria (ALPESCAS)
  • IUCN Role: IUCN CEM Fisheries Expert Group

This side-event will build on the first, aiming to showcase success stories and best practices in effective fisheries management from around the world by providing a platform for governments, fisheries managers, scientists, and private sector actors to outline how they are facilitating and implementing adaptive, ecosystem-based fisheries management. Through this, the event hopes to inspire scalable, people-centred approaches to fisheries management that promote climate resilience, enhance food and nutrition security, and reflect diverse regional perspectives and experiences. More information and registration here.

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Leading by Doing - Three Years of Progress and Meaningful Action Towards 30x30
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 12:15-13:30
  • Location: Blue Zone, Room 4
  • Organizer: Oceano Azul Foundation
  • Co-Organizers: Portugal, Palau, Chile, Solomon Islands, Waitt Institute IUCN, National Geographic – Pristine Seas, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Bloomberg (TBC), Blue Nature Alliance (TBC)
  • IUCN Role: Thierry Lefebvre

Leaders in marine conservation discuss the progress made in the past three years toward achieving the 30x30 target for ocean protection.

 

Scaling Blue Carbon Investments: Enabling Financing for Seagrass and Coastal Ecosystems
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 14:00-15:15
  • Location: Blue Zone, Room 1
  • Organizer: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
  • Co-Organizers: The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Notre Grande Bleu, IUCN, EIB, AfD, UN DESA, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund 
  • IUCN Role: IUCN MED, IUCN ESARO

This event explores how investments in seagrass and nature-based solutions can be anchored by blue carbon, and how governments can enable financial ecosystems for a regenerative Blue Economy.

 

Global MSP: Frameworks for Maritime Spatial Planning for Nature-Positive Offshore Wind
  • Date:  June 12th 
  • Time: 14:00-15:30 CEST
  • Location: Zoom (virtual)
  • Organizer: Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR)
  • Co-Organizers: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN), and the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI)
  • IUCN Role: Climate Change and Energy Transition Team as co-organizer

This webinar will include an engaging discussion on how Maritime Spatial Planning can serve as a strategic tool for stakeholder engagement, cross-border cooperation, and effective data management which supports responsible offshore wind development and promotes sustainable, equitable outcomes within countries and across regions.

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Clean Shores, Thriving Communities: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Caribbean through a Collaborative Approach
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 17:00-18:00
  • Location: Virtual, IUCN Engage
  • Organizer: Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
  • Co-Organizers: IUCN, IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, Government of Saint Lucia, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, IUCN Economy and Finance Team
  • IUCN Role: IUCN ORMACC

This virtual event will explore how Caribbean nations are collaborating to address plastic pollution through shared strategies, national legislation, and regional partnerships.

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Conservation of Marine Animal Species for Healthy Ecosystems and Long-term Ocean Sustainability
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 17:30-18:45
  • Location: Blue Zone Room 2
  • Organizer: CMS Secretariat
  • Co-Organizers: Government of Australia, Government of Belgium, Government of Ghana, Government of Panama, CBD Secretariat, CITES Secretariat, IWC Secretariat, ACCOBAMS Secretariat, ASCOBANS Secretariat, BirdLife International, IUCN Species Survival Commission
  • IUCN Role: IUCN SSC

Panel discussion on the conservation of marine animal species and their importance for healthy ecosystems and long-term ocean sustainability.

 

Safeguarding Deep-Sea Biodiversity and the Climate: Integrating Science and Policy for a Sustainable Future
  • Date: June 13th
  • Time: 10:30-11:45
  • Location: Blue Zone Room 3
  • Organizer: Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative/ University of Southampton
  • Co-Organizers: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, IOC-UNESCO, IUCN, IPOS, OCP, University of San Diego (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
  • IUCN Role: Minna Epps

Expert panel on safeguarding deep-sea biodiversity and its role in climate regulation, focusing on integrating science and policy for a sustainable future.

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Treasures of the high seas: spotlighting places, partnerships, and progress towards the next frontier of high seas conservation
  • Date: June 13th
  • Time: 14:00-15:15
  • Location: Blue Zone Room 3
  • Organizer: The PEW Charitable trusts
  • Co-Organizers: Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bloomberg Philanthropies Ocean Initiatives, Blue Nature Alliance, Conservation International, Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition, High Seas Alliance, IUCN, Pew Bertarelly Ocean Legacy, Pew
  • IUCN Role: Minna Epps 

Panel discussion highlighting the unique biodiversity of the high seas and progress towards conservation efforts in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
 

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Mobilizing the GEF Partnership for the Ocean: Building on 30 years of promoting ocean conservation and sustainable use
  • Date: June 13th
  • Time: 14:00-15:15
  • Location: Blue Zone room 2
  • Organizer: GEF
  • Co-Organizers: UNEP, UNIDO, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO IOC, CI, AfDB, ADB, IDB, WWF-US, IUCN, EBRD, CAF, WB, BOAD
  • IUCN Role: IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar

Celebrating 30 years of GEF's work in ocean conservation and sustainable use, and exploring future partnerships for ocean health.

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Other IUCN-linked Events at UNOC

 

High Ambitions & Deep Commitments for the High Seas: Celebrating progress in the Race for Ratification
  • Date: June 10th
  • Time: 18:30-20:30
  • Location: OCEAN HOUSE AT UNOC3
  • Organizer: High Seas Alliance, Blue Marine Foundation, IUCN, Minderoo
  • IUCN Role: Announce HAC

This event will bring together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and philanthropy to celebrate progress on the High Seas, in particular spotlighting advances in ratifying the Treaty, the next phase for the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, and reaffirming a shared commitment to sustaining political momentum for implementing the Treaty swiftly, equitably, and effectively.

 

Turning Ambition into Action: River Cleanup Innovations for a Healthy Ocean
  • Date: June 12th
  • Time: 16:00-17:00
  • Location: Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel
  • Organizer: The Ocean Cleanup
  • IUCN Role: Sofie Jaffe (speaker)

Panel discussion on innovative approaches to river cleanup for preventing plastic pollution from reaching the ocean.

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IUCN-related Events at the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC)

 

Greening the Blue... How the IUCN Green List for protected and conserved areas can help us meet the 30x30 objective
  • Date: June 4th
  • Time: 9:00-10:00
  • Location: Room 2, Port Lympia
  • Organizer: IUCN French Committee
  • Co-Organizers: WCPA, WIOMSA
  • IUCN Role: Speaker
  • IUCN Staff: Thierry Lefebvre, Cécile Fattebert, Jean-François Sys, Sue Wells, Arthur Tuda, Karine Pothin

The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) is a key moment for updating the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14 in relation to those of the Kunming-Montreal Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Target 3 of the GBF, known as the 30x30 objective, aims to protect 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, but importantly also sets out essential qualitative elements that must be considered. Protected and conserved areas must be effectively managed, equitably governed and must achieve positive outcomes for biodiversity.

The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Standard is recognized and promoted by the CBD and the Barcelona Convention as a voluntary standard to measure protected area management effectiveness, contributing also to SDG 14. The associated Green List certification provides an independently assessed means of identifying those sites that meet the Green List Standard.

 

The BBNJ Agreement and the Great Blue Wall: Unlocking Ocean Conservation and Capacity for Africa
  • Date: June 3rd 
  • Time:  16:00–17:30 Location: Room 1, Port Lympia
  • Organizer: IUCN - ESARO 
  • Co-Organizers: WCPA High Seas Specialist Group and University of New South Wales, Centre for Sustainable Development Reform
  • IUCN Role: Speaker
  • IUCN Staff: Jeremy Raguain, Barkha Mossae, Dr. Guillermo Ortuno Crespo, and Angelique Pouponneau

    Our ocean faces immense pressure, particularly in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Despite UNCLOS obligations, ABNJ are vulnerable to a "Tragedy of the Commons" exacerbated by ocean science and conservation challenges. Historical neglect of this global commons persists, as existing international agreements have failed to prevent the current degradation. The new Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement aims to reverse this destruction and enhance the Global South’s ability to protect and sustainably use ABNJ. Successful implementation of the BBNJ Agreement requires a collaborative "all-hands-on-deck" approach. With ABNJ covering half the Earth's surface and Global South States having 70% of the world's coastline but limited governance capacity, empowering them is crucial.

    This talk highlights Eastern and Southern Africa's efforts to enhance ocean governance through the BBNJ Agreement, emphasising the ecological connectivity between national and international waters. Through a Great Blue Wall lens, this talk encourages a dialogue on how the BBNJ Agreement, especially its provisions on capacity building and the transfer of marine technology, can enhance the Western Indian Ocean and Africa's ability to preserve and regenerate diverse, resilient, and productive seascapes.

 

Difficult to define and deeply damaging: the huge cost of non-selective fisheries for marine biodiversity
  • Date: June 3-5
  • Time: 18:00-20:00
  • Location: La Baleine
  • Organizer: IUCN SSC Marine Conservation Committee
  • IUCN Role: Poster Presenter
  • IUCN Staff: IUCN SSC (Amanda Vincent, Coralie Palmer)

Non-selective fishing practices represent a critical threat to marine biodiversity, driving widespread degradation of marine ecosystems with profound consequences. Our presentation examines the extensive impacts of non-selective fisheries—both artisanal and commercial—on marine species, with a focus on biodiversity conservation. Through in-depth consultation with taxon experts from the marine-focused Specialist Groups of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), we reveal the vast taxonomic range of species affected by non-selective fishing, with pressures coming from a diversity in gear types, scales, and modes of impact across fisheries.

 

Scientific support to the BBNJ Agreement
  • Date: June 5th
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: TBD
  • Organizer: UNEP and RSCAPs
  • Co-Organizers: FAO, UNDP, DOALOS, UNEP WCMC, UNEP FI, IUCN, UNESCO IOC (IW:LEARN)
  • IUCN Role: Speaker
  • IUCN Staff: Minna Epps

This Science Policy Dialogue aims to identify ways to strengthen science and knowledge, including blue natural capital accounting, in support of entry into force and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The session will focus on scientific knowledge gaps and marine technology challenges on national and regional scales, and identifying how to value natural blue capital in national planning.

 

Deep seabed mining and how it affects human rights
  • Date: June 6
  • Time: 11:10
  • Location: Room 3
  • Organizer: IUCN Ocean Team
  • Co-Organizers: IUCN CEM and IUCN WCEL
  • IUCN Role: Organiser
  • IUCN Contact: Minna Epps

Based on concept note developed in 2024 to highlight human rights consideration within the framework of DSM.

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IUCN-related Events at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF)

 

Innovative financial mechanisms ensuring long term health of our oceans
  • Date: June 7
  • Time: 11:30-13:00
  • Location: Room Auric 4, Grimaldi Forum
  • Organizer: The Med Fund
  • Co-organizers: IUCN, The Global Environment Facility (GEF), The Albert II of Monaco Foundation, The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (Mar Fund), Caribbean biodiversity Fund (CBF), The Banc d’Arguin et de la Biodiversité Côtière et Marine Trust Fund (BACoMaB), Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA), Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLac), Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ)
  • IUCN Contact: Minna Epps

The event will highlight the critical role of sustainable financing in achieving global biodiversity targets, particularly Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework including the key qualitative and quantitative commitment 30 x 30 target. It will explore innovative financial mechanisms, discussing and showcasing experiences from conservation trust funds worldwide, demonstrating how stable funding, long-term strategies, and inclusive governance are essential for effective marine protection.

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One Ocean Finance: Financing a Regenerative & Sustainable Blue Economy
  • Date: June 7th
  • Time: 17:00-18:30
  • Location: 
  • Organizer: UNCDF, IUCN, UNDP, UNEP, WEF, WRI
  • IUCN Role: Co-organizer
  • IUCN Presenter: IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak

This side event will explore innovative financial approaches and mechanisms for supporting a regenerative blue economy that balances economic development with ocean health and sustainability.

 

Solution Hub at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum
  • Date: June 7
  • Time: 11:30-13:00
  • Location:
  • Organizer:
  • IUCN Role:
  • IUCN Contact:

 

Advancing the financing roadmap for seagrass blue carbon protection in the Mediterranean
  • Date: June 8th
  • Time: 15:00-16:30
  • Location: Stelios Philanthropic  foundation
  • Organizer: OFB, WWF, IUCN Med, BlueSeeds, MedPan, Spa-Rac, MPN, MedFund, Plan Blue, Government of the Balearic Islands
  • IUCN Role: Co-organizer
  • IUCN Contact: Mercedes Muñoz Cañas

A pivotal platform to advance the financing roadmap for seagrass protection in the Mediterranean.

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