The UN Ocean Conference, concluding in Nice, France, on June 13, 2025, marked a significant step forward in global ocean governance, primarily driven by progress on the High Seas Treaty. The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, and the conference saw increased momentum towards its ratification and implementation.
A key highlight was India's pledge to ratify the High Seas Treaty, signaling its commitment to marine biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdictions. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, representing India at the conference, emphasized the ocean's importance to the nation and highlighted India's support for collaborative efforts. He also mentioned India's initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission, focused on sustainable ocean practices and reducing marine pollution. While India has signed the treaty, formal ratification requires amendments to existing legislations, including the Biological Diversity Act, with consideration for ratification potentially following the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The High Seas Treaty will come into effect 120 days after at least 60 countries ratify it. As the conference closed, 50 members had already submitted their ratifications, with 10 more needed to reach the critical threshold. Nineteen of these ratifications occurred during the UN Ocean Conference itself. Several countries have indicated they intend to deposit their ratification instruments at the UN very soon which could mean the Treaty's entry into force could be activated in the coming weeks rather than waiting for the UNGA meeting in September. In addition to the boost in ratifications, the number of countries signing the Treaty also surged, bringing the total number to 136.
The treaty's primary aim is to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, which constitute about two-thirds of the ocean. Currently, only about 1% of the high seas are protected, but the High Seas Treaty will enable the creation of MPAs in these areas, contributing to the global target of protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030.
Besides the High Seas Treaty, the conference also emphasized the need for a "Global Plastics Treaty" and investments in science-based solutions to improve ocean health. India proposed a 10-point roadmap for the future, focusing on sustainable development and ocean governance. These initiatives include advancing marine research, expanding marine protected areas, reducing marine pollution, enhancing coastal resilience, promoting environmentally friendly ocean renewable energy sources, and integrating coastal communities into policy frameworks.
The conference also addressed the growing international call for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Discussions also focused on mobilizing finance for ocean actions in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14, life below water) and on preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities.
However, challenges remain in implementing the High Seas Treaty. These include disagreements over the location and management of new Marine Protected Areas, financing their monitoring, and ensuring equitable sharing of resources. The next United Nations Oceans Conference is set to take place in South Korea in 2028.
