Is the UN Ocean Conference Actually Doing Enough to Save Our Seas?

Look, down on the ground, things are moving fast, but are they moving fast enough? The upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice is promising a lot—big words, lofty goals, and a lot of stakeholders talking about “saving the seas.” But what they’re not telling folks is whether these efforts will really make a difference where it counts: in the lives of communities, in the health of our ecosystems, in the future of our children.

What’s at Stake?

This year’s conference is supposed to be a game-changer. It’s aiming to build on past efforts, push for a new “Nice Ocean Action Plan,” and connect all the dots—government, science, business, local communities. They’re talking about mobilizing funds, completing multilateral processes, and sharing knowledge. That sounds good, but I’ve seen these big gatherings before. I’ve seen the promises, the commitments, the pledges that sometimes turn to dust once the conference is over.

And let’s move on—what’s really behind these initiatives? They’ve set three main priorities: finish what’s unfinished, get the funds flowing, and make science work for policy.

BTW! If you like my content, here you can see an article I wrote that might interest you: Why the Oldest Organizations Keep Thriving Green and Why It Matters

Sounds straightforward, right? But the real question is, who’s going to make sure this all translates into tangible change? Because, honestly, I don’t give a damn about another paper or a new report if it doesn’t reach the people who depend on the ocean every day.

The Midpoint of the Ocean Decade

By the way, they also say this conference coincides with the midpoint of the Ocean Decade, a ten-year effort to push science and action together. But I’ve been around enough to know that “midway” is just a number. What really matters is if we’re moving toward concrete results—fishermen getting better tools to prevent overfishing, coastal communities gaining access to clean water, indigenous peoples having a voice in marine stewardship. And here’s the thing—those voices often get drowned out in these big international talks.

Stakeholder Diversity and True Impact

On the other hand, the diversity of stakeholders involved is impressive:

• governments
• NGOs
• private sector
• indigenous groups
• scientists
• local folks

. That’s a good start. But what I’ve learned from living on the ground is that inclusion doesn’t automatically mean impact. It’s easy to get everyone in the room, but hard to make sure everyone’s voice influences the outcome. Do they really want to listen? Or is this just another meeting where commitments get made but not followed through?

The Role of Local Knowledge

And here’s a little reflection for you: Did you know that marine sciences are only just beginning to incorporate local knowledge from coastal communities? That’s a huge gap. Science isn’t just about high-tech satellites or fancy models. It’s about understanding the stuff that people see every day—like how pollution affects their fishing, or how coral reefs are dying. If the conference truly wants to “support urgent action,” then it better start by listening to those who are affected most. Because, honestly, what’s the point of science if it doesn’t translate into local solutions?

Looking Ahead

So, as we gear up for Nice, I can’t help but wonder—will this be another talk shop, or will it spark real change? Will the commitments turn into action that improves lives? Or will it all just be another headline? I think maybe it’s a better idea to keep our eyes peeled and our expectations grounded. Because, in the end, saving the ocean isn’t just about big plans and speeches. It’s about everyday choices, about communities who rely on healthy seas, about making sure the policies we push are actually felt and seen in the real world.

The Urgency of Action

What they’re not telling folks is that the clock is ticking. And if we don’t start connecting the dots—between policy and people, between science and action—we might find ourselves losing the ocean forever. So, I leave you with this: pay attention, ask questions, demand results. Because the ocean is more than just water—it’s life, it’s culture, it’s our future. And nobody, nobody, should be left on the sidelines.

Elena Ramirez

Elena brings to The Forest Blog a humble and sincere perspective on the changes that occur around ecology every day. She loves nature and therefore her care for it, but her real care, not allowing politics to break the reality of environmental care. Based on her extensive experience as a director of non-profit organizations and leader of social enterprises. Focused on the direct impact of ecological narratives on communities. Speaks to the human consequences and business impact that are often overlooked in official reporting, demanding attention to the real lives affected.