From June 9 to 13, the French city of Nice hosted the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), becoming the global center of efforts to save our planet’s oceans. Among the key organizers and voices for change were Costa Rica and France, two nations recognized for their environmental leadership.

In the opening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron and Costa Rican officials delivered a strong message: the oceans are in crisis, and urgent action is needed. “Only 2.7% of oceans are truly protected. We must take a collective leap toward the 30% goal by 2030,” Macron stated to delegations, scientists, and civil society.

Costa Rica reaffirmed its role as a global environmental leader, promoting sustainable blue economy models, marine protected areas, and participation in key international frameworks such as the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ).

The joint agenda proposed by Costa Rica and France focused on climate financing, marine ecosystem restoration, sustainable fishing, and fighting plastic pollution. Their partnership not only strengthens France’s role within Europe but also places Costa Rica at the heart of global ocean diplomacy.

The summit concluded with the introduction of the Nice Action Plan, a roadmap of concrete commitments to protect the oceans before irreversible damage is done.