UNU-CRIS is Contributing to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, Nice
UNU-CRIS is contributing to UNOC-3: The Third United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. This summit is the largest ocean-focused conference to date, drawing more than 10,000 participants, including 60 heads of state and government, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society representatives. The overarching theme is “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” with a strong focus on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. The conference aims to strengthen international cooperation and catalyze concrete, measurable commitments to protect marine ecosystems, address pollution, and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.
In Blue Zone
UNU-CRIS will support the Global Seaweed Coalition, UNGC, UNCTAD, UNIDO, FAO, UNEP as part of its involvement and partner of https://globalseaweed.org/ GlobalSeaweed-SUPERSTAR Project with SAMS. The session is o-chaired by the Republic of Madagascar and France with the support of the Indonesia Global Compact Network
Toward the creation of a UN Task Force on Seaweed: Elevating ambition for a sustainable blue economy
June 13, 8:45 – 10:00 am
The global seaweed sector is booming, yet it remains under-supported and lacks unified standards and governance. A proposed United Nations Initiative on Seaweed would provide global leadership and coordination to unlock seaweed’s potential for food, fiber, and fuel. This task force aims to drive sustainable growth, set clear standards, and ensure fair benefits for all, including small-scale producers. By fostering innovation and international cooperation, the initiative will help build a resilient, sustainable seaweed industry. Harnessing seaweed’s promise is key to advancing global sustainability and achieving the SDGs.
In Green Zone
Community Engagement for Coastal Protection and Marine Debris Management
Citizen Science Experiences & New Governance Models
Nidhi Nagabhatla will comment on how Citizen science and new governance models are transforming restoration. By involving communities directly and fostering collaborative decision-making, these approaches enhance data quality, policy relevance, and long-term sustainability—key ingredients for addressing complex environmental challenges. She will reflect on the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors, aligning with the water-energy-food nexus and disaster risk reduction perspectives, and how leveraging community engagement and citizen science helps build resilience against coastal hazards and supports regional and national efforts to mitigate environmental challenges. For example, engaging schools and local organizations in citizen science projects fosters environmental stewardship and builds a culture of sustainability, especially among youth.
Register here: https://lnkd.in/d5v9Cd2k
