Communities in the Pacific Islands – among the worst impacted by plastic pollution, the loss of marine ecosystems and rising sea levels – sent a strong contingent. This included leaders from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Niue, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa and Tuvalu, and representatives from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
During the conference, French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced the creation of the world’s largest marine protected area at almost 5 million square kilometres, of which 1.1 million square kilometres will be designated for scientific exploration, ecotourism and artisanal fishing for boats under 12 metres. “In French Polynesia, the ocean is much more than a territory – it’s the source of life, culture and identity,” Brotherson imparted.
At summits of this calibre, indigenous coastal communities are frequently overlooked or excluded from the equation when they are actually the custodians of the marine environment, whose culture, homes and livelihoods are intertwined with its wellbeing.
Rachel Sapery James, interim Global Lead for the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI) and strategic technical advisor under WWF Australia’s Blue Pacific Programs, led initiatives in global policy advocacy and reef engagement. She championed the role and rights of indigenous communities at UNOC3.
“Visa restrictions, economic barriers, offshore data control and extractive research practices continue to marginalise those most deeply connected to the ocean and coral reefs,” she explained. “At UNOC3, indigenous peoples, small-scale fishers and frontline communities demanded inclusive decision-making, respect for Traditional Ecological Knowledge, policy decision-making and fair access to climate finance.
As we advance towards 30×30 targets, human rights must be foundational and embrace stewardship rooted in lived experience and ancestral knowledge,” she noted. “While indigenous voices were elevated at UNOC3, structural inclusion in decision-making remains limited. UNOC3 lit the spark. Now we must unleash a tidal surge of action.”
Of the conference outcomes, Sapery James was optimistic for tangible progress in ocean protection. “First, the momentum behind the High Seas Treaty surged, with 51 countries ratifying the agreement to safeguard biodiversity in international waters, marking a major step towards protecting two-thirds of the ocean,” she said. “Secondly, over £1 billion was pledged for ocean conservation, including innovative financing mechanisms like Indonesia’s Coral Bond, which channels private investment into reef protection. And thirdly, support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining expanded dramatically, with 37 countries now backing the call to halt potentially irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems.”
The Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI), in collaboration with WCS, WWF and partners, launched the world’s first Joint Commitment to Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs and Resilient Communities. Under the leadership of Sapery James, the initiative secured support and sign-on from the Blue Pacific, Melanesia and Micronesia, led by the governments of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Palau. The challenge lies in turning these voluntary commitments into action. “Without standardised metrics or enforcement tools, many commitments risk remaining symbolic. That’s why political will, funding and follow-through are essential,” she urged.
At the end of the five-day conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a plea to delegates. “Our ocean has not only shaped cultures, stirred imaginations and inspired wonder across the ages, it supplies the air we breathe, the food we eat, the jobs we need and the climate we count on,” he said. “The ocean needs our help. We must sustain what sustains us.”
Five days of presentations and discussions resulted in a declaration titled Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action, plus a two-part framework called the Nice Ocean Action Plan that comprises a political declaration and over 800 voluntary commitments from various actors, including 170 nations, to address ocean health and sustainable development. Key areas of commitment include mobilising finance for vulnerable nations, tackling marine pollution, expanding marine protected areas and decarbonising maritime transport.
Capturing the intentions of UNOC3 in his final words, Dr Forrest stated, “The ocean is in freefall. Ministers, sovereign nations and major fishing companies all know the truth – we are smashing our oceans. Biomass collapse is no longer a risk; it is reality. But it is reversible. We can reclaim the ocean’s lost abundance for marine life, for food security and for the global economy.
“This is not a call for more meetings,” he concluded. “This is a declaration of funded, coordinated, enforceable action. The tools exist. The time is now. Let’s deliver!”
