The UN Ocean Conference commenced on Monday in Nice, France, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging global leaders to prevent the ocean floor from becoming the “Wild West.” This third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is attended by nearly 60 heads of state and government, engaging in discussions on crucial issues such as deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and overfishing.

Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference features prominent attendees including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Guterres emphasized the need for caution regarding deep-sea mining, a topic drawing notable concern since former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans in April to expedite the review of mining applications in areas beyond U.S. jurisdiction.

This decision has intensified the global discourse around seabed exploitation.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), responsible for regulating activities in international waters, is slated to meet in July to contemplate guidelines for deep-sea mining.

Many nations have voiced opposition to deep-sea mining practices, and France is leveraging this meeting to garner wider support for a moratorium until further environmental assessments can be conducted.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for global mobilization to safeguard oceanic ecosystems, stating, “Deep waters are not for sale, just as Greenland, Antarctica, and the high seas are not for sale.” This statement indirectly referenced Trump's past remarks about purchasing Greenland, underscoring the contentious discourse surrounding territorial and resource rights.

Macron reiterated the necessity for a moratorium on seabed mining, a position supported by around 30 nations.

European Council President António Costa labeled the moratorium as “essential.” Notably, the United States did not send a delegation to the conference, where President Lula described the prevailing “threat of unilateralism” over ocean governance.

“We cannot allow what is happening to the sea to mirror what happened with international trade,” he stated.

France aims to have over 60 countries sign a 2023 agreement intended to create new international regulations to strengthen ocean protections.

Macron claimed that support for the treaty has been substantial, with ratification appearing to be on track, emphasizing, “To the 50 ratifications already deposited here in recent hours, 15 more countries have formally committed to joining.” Details regarding the nations involved were not disclosed, but the French administration indicated that finalization of ratification is expected by the end of the year.

Environmental organization Greenpeace voiced cautious optimism regarding these developments, stating, “If true, we won’t believe it until we see all 60 ratifications.

It would be the moment we’ve been waiting for — a major step for ocean protection.” The successful enactment of the treaty is seen as vital in achieving the global target of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Currently, marine protected areas (MPAs) encompass only 8.4% of the ocean's surface area.

Recently, countries including Greece and Spain announced new MPAs, while the United Kingdom declared prohibitions on bottom trawling in designated zones.

Prior UN conferences have faced challenges in reaching consensus and obtaining financial resources to tackle climate change and other environmental crises.

For numerous island nations, particularly vulnerable to climate change, this conference presents an opportunity to hold wealthier nations accountable.

Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. emphasized the need for concrete actions, remarking, “If you really want to protect the oceans, prove it,” while advocating for debt relief to enable countries like Palau to invest in climate adaptation initiatives.