The five-day UN Ocean Conference in Nice in the south of France has produced a number of results which, according to a report in Der Spiegel, represent important progress in the protection of the world's oceans. Representatives from 175 countries - the USA did not send a delegation - discussed key issues such as the protection of the high seas, the fight against plastic waste and regulations on deep-sea mining. According to the report, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) expressed his satisfaction: "This conference has made significant progress in marine protection, despite the difficult geopolitical situation."
This conference has significantly advanced marine protection." (Carsten Schneider, Federal Minister for the Environment)
Rapprochement on the high seas protection agreement and the fight against plastic waste
One of the key successes was the rapprochement towards the entry into force of the High Seas Convention. For the first time, this is intended to create regulations for the use and protection of the high seas, which make up around 60 to 70 per cent of the oceans. In order for the agreement, which was formulated two years ago, to enter into force, it must be ratified by at least 60 states. More than a dozen other states ratified the agreement in Nice, meaning that the required number could soon be reached. The organisation OceanCare sees this as "encouraging progress". However, no agreement has yet been reached on funding, with poorer countries in particular demanding commitments. According to "Zeit", an international research programme under the name "Mission Neptune" has also been agreed.
Another focus was on combating marine pollution caused by plastic waste. 95 countries joined together to form an alliance calling for a restriction on the production of primary plastics. They also spoke out in favour of mandatory reporting on the production, import and export of these materials. Florian Titze from WWF Germany commented according to "Spiegel": "The content outlined here is a good start and at the same time the absolute minimum to effectively combat plastic pollution." The fight against plastic waste is also the concern of Merijn Tinga, a "Plastic Soup Surfer" who is campaigning for the introduction of deposit systems and travelled from Paris to Nice by SUP and windsurfer in the run-up to the conference.
A good start and at the same time the absolute minimum." (Florian Titze, WWF Germany)
Still a long way from a measurable reduction in marine pollution
Differences continued to emerge on the topic of deep sea mining. Germany and 36 other countries are seeking a precautionary pause in deep-sea mining projects. The issue was given new urgency by the USA's plans to pursue deep-sea mining in international waters. 24 countries, including Germany, spoke out strongly against such plans and emphasised that deep-sea resources outside national waters are the common heritage of mankind under international law.
In addition to the main topics, further initiatives were launched. Together with France, Germany wants to localise munitions dumps in the Baltic and North Seas and set up a team of experts for this purpose. In addition, according to "Zeit", 100 million euros are to be channelled into the restoration of salt marshes, seagrass meadows and algae forests in order to increase the ability to store CO2 and slow down climate change.
A group of states wants to advance the fight against noise pollution in the ocean, and Unesco plans to promote marine education more strongly. Despite the progress made, OceanCare Managing Director Fabienne McLellan urged urgency: "We are still a long way from achieving the goals of measurably reducing marine pollution and switching to sustainable fishing methods." The next UN Ocean Conference is planned for 2028 in South Korea and Chile.