At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, held on Monday, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the critical condition of the world's oceans, stating, "The ocean is the ultimate shared resource.

But we are failing it." His remarks highlighted major challenges such as declining fish stocks, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, destructive fishing practices, and the pursuit of mineral resources from the ocean floor.

The conference aims to endorse a treaty that would empower nations to designate protected marine areas in international waters.

Currently, only 8% of the world's oceans are classified under marine conservation policies, with only 1% considered truly protected.

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, seeks to change this by enabling nations to establish protections for approximately two-thirds of global ocean territory, where legal regulations are minimal.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 50 countries have already ratified the treaty, with an additional 15 indicating their formal commitment, suggesting that the treaty is nearing the threshold of ratification required for implementation.

He expressed confidence that the treaty could be active by the end of the year.

Macron also revealed plans to partially prohibit bottom-trawling in half of France's protected marine areas, although conservationists criticized the measure as insufficient.

A major focus of the conference is the potential threat posed by deep-sea mining.

Guterres cautioned against allowing unrestricted exploitation of the ocean floor, referring to the risks of it becoming the "wild west".

The interest from nations such as the United States, China, and Russia in the resource potential beneath the seabed has been a cause for concern.

President Donald Trump had previously expedited US exploration in international waters and alluded to territorial claims in Greenland to access Arctic minerals.

Macron has advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, characterizing it as a critical international issue.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed Macron's sentiments, labeling the competition for mineral extraction as a "predatory race" that could have devastating consequences for ocean biodiversity.

Interestingly, the absence of a US delegation at the conference was noted, given the previous administration's withdrawal from international climate agreements and budget cuts to climate initiatives.

Macron remarked that this was unsurprising, reflecting the US administration's stance on global environmental issues.

Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, emphasized the importance of initiating treaty implementation despite the US's non-participation.

Investment in ocean health has significantly lagged, with only $10 billion allocated from 2015 to 2019, while estimates suggest that annual investments must reach $175 billion to meet conservation objectives effectively.

The UN plans to launch a new scheme aimed at mobilizing a diversified capital base to restore ocean health by 2028.

The conference featured representatives from numerous small island nations that are confronting the immediate impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and diminished fish stocks.

Samoa's recent announcement of the establishment of nine marine parks, which will protect 30% of its waters, was highlighted as a proactive measure as larger nations debate ocean protection policies.

President Surangel Whipps Jr of Palau called on major countries to demonstrate their commitment to ocean protection through tangible actions.