“This week generated strong, positive momentum for ocean conservation through commitments to financing and ocean stewardship. Now it is time to push delivery on tangible actions to sustainably protect our oceans and address climate change impacts.” —Stacy Jupiter, Executive Director, Global Marine Conservation, WCS
Nice, France (June 13, 2025) – The following statement was issued today by the Wildlife Conservation Society at the closing of the third United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, UNOC3.
Said Stacy Jupiter, Executive Director of Global Marine Conservation at WCS:
“This week exceeded our expectations in terms of advancing financial and political commitments for ocean action around inclusive and equitable ocean protection, particularly in climate-sensitive coastal areas. Furthermore, there is high excitement that the High Seas Treaty will soon receive enough ratifications to come into force.
“While certainly more work needs to be done to safeguard ocean resources, including from illegal and destructive fishing practices, this moment showed that there is real momentum building to deliver effective and just outcomes for nature, climate and people. Taking these steps forward will require elevating local voices in ocean governance and action, including from Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
“WCS helped lead and launch several major global initiatives over the course of the week, including the 30x30 Ocean Accelerator – an innovative resource mobilization mechanism aiming to achieve one million square kilometers of new ocean protection by 2030 – and a first-of-its-kind global commitment to elevate women in ocean leadership and governance through the Women Ocean Guardians initiative. WCS also co-led a new high-level commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs in partnership with the government of Papua New Guinea, The Nature Conservancy, and WWF, backed by 11 governments and partners.
“We’re proud to be driving support directly to the front lines of ocean conservation—whether that’s leveraging Accelerator funds to get resources directly into the hands of coastal communities and women leaders or using the latest global climate change modeling tech to find and protect the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs,” said Jupiter. Our Ocean Accelerator alone is already moving more than $40 million of financing to support the broader 30x30 push.
“WCS joins partners in celebrating financial commitment for sustainable ocean management totaling over $10 billion declared at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum, which will be put towards a broad range of ocean activities, including new MPAs, decarbonizing maritime industries, advancing sustainable fisheries and improving climate resilience.”
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