UN Ocean Conference 2025 & World Oceans Day: Global Emergency for Ocean Health
What’s in the News?
The third United Nations Ocean Conference is being held in Nice, France from 9–13 June 2025, coinciding with World Oceans Day (8 June).
The United Nations has declared the threats facing oceans as a global emergency and has called on world leaders to take concrete steps to protect ocean health.
The recent sinking of the MSC ELSA-3 vessel near Kochi, which was carrying potentially hazardous cargo, highlights the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the need for urgent action.
Key Facts for Exams
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and contain 97% of the planet’s water, supporting 94% of all life.
Oceans absorb 23% of annual CO₂ emissions and more than 90% of excess heat from human activities, helping regulate the climate.
Coral bleaching: The fourth global coral bleaching event (2023–2025) has affected 84% of the world’s coral reefs, spanning 82 countries.
Plastic pollution, overexploitation, and maritime accidents are major threats to marine biodiversity.
SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans; global progress is slow.
India’s Maritime Context
Strategic Importance
India has an 11,098 km long coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles.
The Indian Ocean is extremely important for trade, energy imports, and regional security.
India’s blue economy contributes 4% to GDP; about 30% of the population lives in coastal regions.
Current Challenges
Indian Ocean warming: Since 1950, it has warmed faster than any other ocean, causing a 20% decline in phytoplankton in the western Indian Ocean.
Sea level rise: Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata face increased risks of flooding and infrastructure damage.
Decline in fish catch: Oil sardine catch in Kerala dropped by 75% in 2021.
Geopolitical tensions: China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy challenges India’s position in the region.
Policy Initiatives
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Maritime India Vision 2030 focus on maritime security and sustainable development.
National Coastal Mission: Proposed to address climate threats to coastal zones and promote sustainable use of marine resources.
Blue Economy Policy: In its final stage, aims for optimal and sustainable use of marine resources.
UN Ocean Conference 2025: Focus & Outcomes
Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”
The Nice Ocean Action Plan and a political declaration for SDG 14 implementation are expected to be adopted.
Priorities:
Finalizing multilateral ocean agreements (e.g., High Seas Treaty).
Mobilizing finance for the blue economy and SDG 14.
Strengthening coordination between marine science and policy.
Why this matters for your exam preparation
UPSC Prelims & Mains: Ocean health, SDG 14, and India’s maritime strategy are important topics in Environment, Geography, and International Relations.
Essay & Ethics: Questions on sustainable development, climate change, and global cooperation often reference ocean conservation.
Current Affairs Linkage: The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, World Oceans Day, and recent maritime incidents (like MSC ELSA-3) are potential exam questions.
Data & Examples: Use statistics (ocean area, coral bleaching, blue economy) and India-specific initiatives (SAGAR, National Coastal Mission) to add value to your answers.
Geopolitical Analysis: Understanding India’s challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region is essential for GS Paper 2 and 3.
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