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The European Union has introduced a new ocean pact aimed at restoring marine ecosystems and reducing pollution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the adoption of a new ocean pact to protect Europe’s coasts and marine environments during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice on Monday. The pact aims to bring 20% of Europe’s marine ecosystems back to life by 2030.
“We will strive to cut plastic and nutrient pollution by half within five years,” von der Leyen stated. She also announced plans to restore natural habitats and enhance protection for coastal areas against the impacts of climate change.
The European Commission adopted the pact last Thursday. The strategy’s goals include supporting member states, revising key European maritime laws, and boosting the competitiveness of the maritime industry through a new sector strategy and a strategy for EU ports.
President von der Leyen emphasized the challenges facing small-scale fishers due to extreme weather and unfair competition, and announced grants to support these fisheries.
A total of €1 billion will be allocated for 50 projects worldwide to support scientists and conservationists, with one-third of the funds dedicated to research and scientific projects. The pact is expected to lead to new legislation, which the Commission plans to propose by 2027.
The UNOC3, hosted by France, brings together about 60 countries to discuss the protection and restoration of ocean spaces affected by human activity. Unlike climate change conferences (COPs), no formal agreements are negotiated during the conference.
France is working to secure signatures for the High Seas Treaty, which would allow the creation of protected marine areas in international waters once 60 countries have ratified it. “Today, we are inches away from the 60 signatures for ratification,” von der Leyen said, also announcing €40 million for the Global Ocean programme to strengthen ocean protection in least developed countries. She urged, “Please speed up ratification. Because our ocean needs us to play its part.”
