France Warns at Nice Summit: Only 2.7% of Oceans Are Truly Protected
At the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France (June 9–13, 2025), French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a powerful message: despite decades of environmental promises, only 2.7% of the world’s oceans are effectively protected.
This figure is a far cry from the international “30×30” target—to protect 30% of marine and land areas by 2030—which over 110 nations have pledged to meet. Macron warned that many so-called Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are “paper parks”: they exist on maps but lack enforcement, funding, or genuine management. In some, illegal fishing, mining, or even oil exploration continues unabated.
“We must stop pretending,” Macron stated. “The ocean is not a limitless resource. It’s a living system, and it’s collapsing.”
A Global Ocean Compact
To address this gap, Macron proposed a Global Ocean Compact—an international agreement that would:
- Establish unified criteria for what counts as an MPA
- Ensure real funding for conservation
- Support countries in the Global South
- Leverage satellite technology and AI for monitoring
The initiative emphasizes solidarity between wealthy nations and coastal or island countries who are often the first to suffer the consequences of rising sea levels, declining fisheries, and pollution—but who also lack the financial means to respond alone.
France & Costa Rica: A Powerful Alliance
Costa Rica, co-host of the summit, was mentioned repeatedly as a model for effective marine protection. The Central American country has already surpassed the 30×30 goal, protecting more than 30% of its marine territory, including sanctuaries such as the Cocos Island National Park and the Golfo Dulce Marine Area.
Together, France and Costa Rica showcased what meaningful cooperation looks like. Their joint leadership at the summit included sessions on plastic pollution, ocean finance, and sustainable fishing—demonstrating that both political ambition and technical action are needed.
Costa Rica’s success shows that a small country with strong values can lead global change, especially when it partners with larger nations to amplify its voice.
Urgency for the Future
President Macron’s final words at the summit served as a rallying cry for all present:
“The ocean is warming, acidifying, rising, and suffocating. Acting now is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
As rising ocean temperatures threaten biodiversity and coastal communities, the pressure is on for governments, civil society, and even travelers to take part in safeguarding the blue heart of our planet.
