The United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, currently underway in Nice, France, serves as a crucial barometer for the health of our planet's most vital ecosystem. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres starkly warned, we cannot allow the deepest oceans to "become the wild west." This summit, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, is a complex tapestry of scientific urgency, economic ambitions, and geopolitical maneuvering, aiming to accelerate action and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, particularly in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14).
Amid the Mediterranean charm, UNOC3 became a battleground of geopolitical rivalries, economic power plays, and conflicting environmental ideologies. This deep-dive dissects the agenda, barriers, outcomes—and Pakistan’s surprisingly assertive role.
The Agenda: A Three-Pronged Approach
The 2025 conference agenda is structured around three main priorities, culminating in an ambitious Nice Ocean Action Plan:
- Working towards completion of multilateral processes linked to the ocean: This includes finalizing and ratifying key agreements like the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), also known as the High Seas Treaty, and a global treaty on plastic pollution.
- Mobilizing financial resources for SDG14 and supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy: This involves discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, such as blue bonds and solidarity levies, and encouraging investments in sustainable ocean industries.
- Strengthening and better disseminating knowledge linked to marine sciences to enhance policy-making: Emphasizing the science-policy interface, the conference aims to integrate scientific data and indigenous knowledge for more effective ocean governance.
Beyond these broad aims, UNOC3 revolved around ten Ocean Action Panels, aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and pushed several high-priority objectives:
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BBNJ Agreement: Urged ratification of the 2023 High Seas Treaty.
🔹 33 nations ratified it by June 2025—60 are needed for it to enter into force. -
Plastic Pollution: Set the stage for an upcoming treaty in August 2025.
🔹 8 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans every year. -
Deep-Sea Mining Regulation: Opened debates on a global moratorium due to irreversible ecological risks.
🔹 The ISA will discuss a mining code in July 2025. -
Ocean Finance: Tackled the chronic funding gap.
🔹 SDG 14 receives <0.01% of sustainable development funding.
🔹 Required investment: $175 billion annually. -
Climate-Ocean Nexus: Stressed oceans' climate role.
🔹 Oceans absorb 54% of excess CO2 and 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases.
The goal: launch the "Nice Ocean Action Plan"—a non-binding declaration. But reliance on voluntary commitments risks reducing impact to ceremonial posturing.
Despite growing urgency, the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) faced formidable roadblocks. Multiple layers of environmental decay and political paralysis underscore the immense task of saving our oceans from collapse. Here's a deep dive into the structural, ethical, and geopolitical barriers preventing meaningful progress:
Deep-Sea Mining: The Greed vs. Guardianship Dilemma
At the center of controversy lies the push for deep-sea mining — hailed by some as a solution to the green energy transition, yet condemned by others as an ecological catastrophe waiting to happen. Secretary-General António Guterres declared that the deep sea cannot become a "Wild West," where profits override planetary protection. The irreversible damage to deep-sea biodiversity and fragile ecosystems is unknown and potentially devastating.
France, backed by over 30 nations including Cyprus and Latvia, is calling for a global moratorium until science catches up. In contrast, China, Japan, South Korea, and Nauru favor exploration, citing critical mineral needs for electric vehicles and clean energy tech. The U.S., under former President Donald Trump, previously bypassed ISA oversight — fueling a divide between unilateral ambitions and global stewardship.
Plastic Pollution: A Crisis Without Accountability
An estimated 19–23 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year. By 2050, oceans could contain more plastic than fish. The push for a legally binding global plastics treaty gained traction but faced resistance from oil-producing nations and plastic-dependent industries.
Talks centered around promoting marine-based plastic alternatives, circular economy models, and holding polluters accountable. Yet progress remains sluggish: since 2017, over 2,000 voluntary commitments were made, but only 7% of plastic-related targets have been met — a glaring sign of performative diplomacy.
Overfishing & IUU Fishing: Depleting the Deep
With 37.7% of global fish stocks already overfished, the ocean’s food security future looks grim. UNOC3 emphasized:
Stronger international cooperation
Expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Stricter enforcement of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated) fishing laws
Yet, many industrial fleets continue to operate with impunity, particularly in the waters of developing nations.
Climate Change: Oceans on the Frontline
Climate change continues to batter marine life:
Ocean acidification is weakening coral skeletons and shellfish.
Warming seas are causing widespread coral bleaching.
Rising sea levels threaten small island nations and coastal biodiversity.
Yet funding to address these existential threats remains inadequate, and large emitters continue to dodge responsibility.
Funding and Consensus: The Achilles’ Heel of Ocean Diplomacy
Finance remains the mother of all obstacles. Developing countries demand equitable finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. However, wealthier nations show reluctance, maintaining a $145 billion gap in achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The absence of concrete funding mechanisms has hamstrung past and present commitments.
Geopolitical Tensions: The Ocean as a Battleground
UNOC3 exposed geopolitical rifts:
The U.S. skipped the conference and promoted mining without global oversight.
France called for cooperation, warning that short-term national interests will sabotage global ecological integrity.
China and pro-mining nations opposed calls for a moratorium.
Pakistan rightly accused India of disrupting long-standing water-sharing agreements, warning of the grave implications for the Arabian Sea's ecosystem and the dangerous trend of weaponizing water.
This veiled yet pointed accusation highlights how resource conflicts are extending into marine territory — not just about access, but about control, sovereignty, and regional leverage.
The Main Agenda: BBNJ Treaty, High Seas Protection, and the 30x30 Goal
The BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) was central to discussions. Its aims:
Create legally binding protections for international waters
Regulate activities like mining, fishing, and bioprospecting
Protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 (the "30x30" target)
Current Status:
33 ratifications to date
60 required to bring the treaty into force
Momentum growing, with Dominica, Norway, Greece, and Romania among the latest to join
Yet delays and foot-dragging from major powers are jeopardizing the deadline.
Macron’s Push: Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining
President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a vocal advocate for ecological restraint, famously declaring: "Deep waters are not for sale." His call for a moratorium on seabed mining is rooted in:
The precautionary principle
Prevention of irreversible ecological damage
Strengthening alignment with UNCLOS and BBNJ frameworks
Opposition:
China & Japan: Demand minerals for their green tech economies
Nauru and other small island states: View mining as a development opportunity
The result: A regulatory stalemate.
The Dark Side: Greenwashing, Geopolitics, and Performative Diplomacy
Critics argue UNOC3 risks becoming a theatre of empty promises:
Greenwashing:
Corporations and states showcase commitments with little follow-through. New MPAs are announced, but often lack monitoring or enforcement.
Geopolitical Leverage:
Some nations use ocean diplomacy to criticize rivals while continuing their own damaging practices unchecked.
Exploitation Disguised as Development:
The "blue economy" rhetoric often cloaks extractive practices by powerful countries or corporations in developing states — with little tech transfer or benefit-sharing.
Funding Hypocrisy:
Despite public commitments, wealthier nations refuse to bridge the vast funding gap required for SDG 14. Meanwhile, vulnerable nations are left under-resourced.
❝ So, is UNOC3 just a gimmick? Not entirely. ❞
It raised global awareness, helped secure new BBNJ ratifications, and empowered civil society. But its true success hinges on whether these voluntary pledges can be transformed into tangible, enforceable outcomes.
The UN Ocean Conferences and the Global Struggle for SDG 14
The UN Ocean Conference is not a one-off event. Rather, it is a multi-stage, evolving process designed to accelerate global action toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”
Each conference builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, generating political momentum, securing voluntary commitments, and attempting to close the gap between promises and measurable outcomes.
An Overview of Milestones: Past Conferences and Political Momentum
Since its inception, the UN Ocean Conference has been held at critical junctures:
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2017 – New York, USA (Co-hosted by Sweden and Fiji)
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2022 – Lisbon, Portugal (Co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal)
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2025 – Nice, France (Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica)
These gatherings have consistently served as platforms for major political declarations and voluntary commitments. While the tone of each conference varies with global priorities, they have collectively underscored some common objectives:
Key Declarations and Goals
1. Political Declarations:
Each conference ends with a high-level declaration. For example, the Lisbon Declaration (2022) titled “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility” acknowledged the ocean’s critical condition and affirmed commitments to address climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss.
2. Voluntary Commitments:
Thousands of commitments have been registered by member states, civil society, private enterprises, and research institutions. These include initiatives to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), eliminate harmful subsidies, and promote sustainable ocean industries.
3. Multilateral Agreements and Treaties:
The conferences serve as catalysts for ratifying and advancing pivotal global frameworks:
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The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement):
Adopted in 2023, this is the first-ever legal instrument to govern the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The 2025 Conference aims to secure the 60 national ratifications required for it to enter into force. -
Global Plastic Pollution Treaty:
Negotiations for a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution are underway. The Ocean Conferences amplify pressure on nations to expedite these discussions. -
WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (2022):
Targets the removal of harmful subsidies contributing to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. -
The 30x30 Target:
Rooted in the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this target seeks to protect 30% of the world’s ocean and land by 2030. Operationalizing this goal for oceans remains a key agenda. -
Science-Policy Integration:
Promoting international cooperation in ocean science and strengthening the science-policy interface are recurring themes across all conferences.
Progress vs. Promises: Are We Achieving SDG 14?
Progress is mixed — encouraging in diplomacy, disappointing in implementation. Below is a closer look at key performance indicators:
BBNJ Agreement Ratification
There is significant progress, with the 2025 conference seeing a wave of new ratifications. Many expect the treaty to cross the 60-country threshold this year — a major legal and diplomatic victory for marine governance.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
While the 30x30 goal is widely endorsed, implementation remains critically behind:
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Only 8.6% of the global ocean is currently under some form of protection.
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Just 2.7% is effectively protected, raising questions about enforcement and ecological outcomes.
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In national waters, around 20% are protected, but only 6% are considered effective.
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The high seas fare worse, with a mere 1.5% safeguarded.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) has grown from 25 signatories in 2016 to 102 States by 2025, covering 63% of the world’s coastal States. This expansion signals strong international will to curb IUU fishing.
Plastic Pollution
Despite global outrage and numerous commitments, plastic pollution continues to rise:
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The negotiations for a global plastics treaty are in progress, but enforcement mechanisms are weak.
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Many nations continue to struggle with waste management, recycling, and sewage treatment, allowing millions of tons of plastic to enter the ocean annually.
Conclusion: While legal frameworks are evolving, the gap between commitments and measurable action remains vast. The implementation deficit is the defining challenge of SDG 14.
Which Countries Are Leading — and Which Are Lagging?
Leaders in Designated Marine Protection (Not Always Effectiveness)
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Monaco – 100% protected
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Palau – 99% protected; 78% effectively protected
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United Kingdom – 68% protected (primarily in overseas territories; domestic effective protection is just 0.1%)
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Other significant contributors include:
Kazakhstan (52%), New Zealand (49%), Australia (48%), Argentina (47%), Germany (45%), Chile (41%), Colombia (40%), Belgium (38%), France (33%), Seychelles (33%), and Netherlands (32%)
These nations have designated large swaths of their waters for protection, but effectiveness varies drastically depending on monitoring, enforcement, and local ecosystems.
Countries Falling Behind
Despite their size or oceanic footprint, many countries fall far short of the 30x30 target. The global average of just 2.7% effectively protected marine space reflects a pervasive shortfall in ambition, execution, or both.
Greenwashing: When Rhetoric Outpaces Reality
Greenwashing refers to misleading environmental claims that mask inaction or harmful practices. While the UN avoids naming and shaming, environmental watchdogs have flagged several nations:
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Countries announcing bold marine goals without credible action plans or enforcement mechanisms.
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Nations showcasing international conservation leadership while neglecting domestic environmental crises.
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Governments promoting “nature-based solutions” while avoiding hard regulatory reforms.
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Countries with fossil-fuel-heavy economies that champion the “blue economy” without genuine sustainability.
Notably, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia have previously been criticized by organizations like Greenpeace for attempts to dilute UN climate reports — raising concerns about their sincerity on ocean issues as well.
Defiance and Backsliding: When Commitments Are Reversed
Some countries not only fall short — they actively reverse progress or defy emerging norms.
United States – A Reversal of Protection
Under the Trump administration, the U.S. sought to fast-track deep-sea mining and reduce oversight by the International Seabed Authority. More recently, in April 2025, the U.S. lifted a ban on commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Marine National Monument — a rollback that reduced global highly protected marine areas by 0.3%.
Opposition to Deep-Sea Mining Moratoriums
Several nations with interests in rare-earth minerals oppose calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, despite mounting scientific warnings.
Resistance to Fishing Subsidy Reforms
Even after the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement, many large fishing nations continue to provide harmful subsidies and resist tighter catch regulations.
Plastic Pollution Offenders
Nations like India, which contribute over 126 million kg of plastic waste annually, remain slow in scaling recycling infrastructure and waste management reforms, undermining global progress.
Short-Termism Over Long-Term Vision
Many governments prioritize economic growth over oceanic health, delaying or diluting environmental regulations in favor of industrial or commercial interests.
At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Pakistan stepped forward not just as a participant, but as a vocal leader advocating for the protection and sustainable use of marine resources. The country’s delegation, led by Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, outlined a comprehensive and assertive stance, one grounded in multilateral cooperation, strategic policymaking, and ecological urgency.
Global Leadership: Pakistan’s Bold Commitments at UNOC3
Pakistan’s presence at UNOC3 was marked by a clear message: the world needs ambitious global action to save its oceans. This message was backed by several core policy stances:
A Call for Collective Action
Pakistan called upon the global community to prioritize financing, technology transfer, and capacity building for developing countries. The message was clear—isolated national efforts will not be enough. The oceans require a collective and coordinated global response.
Intent to Sign the BBNJ Agreement
Pakistan formally declared its intention to become a signatory of the High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement. This is a landmark global treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction—a critical domain of ocean governance.
Highlighting Regional Tensions and Environmental Impact
In a pointed yet diplomatic manner, Ambassador Baloch raised alarm over the deteriorating Arabian Sea ecosystem, referencing "unilateral measures" by a neighboring country—an implicit reference to India—and emphasizing the weaponization of water as a serious threat to marine health.
Pakistan’s Track Record in Marine Conservation
Pakistan’s commitments are not just rhetorical—they are supported by a long-standing and strategic history of marine conservation efforts:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
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Astola Island: Declared as Pakistan's first Marine Protected Area in June 2017. This aligns with Pakistan's initial steps towards area-based conservation. More recently, in April 2025, the Government of Balochistan officially endorsed the management plan for Astola Island, which is a crucial step for effective protection and governance. This endorsement "sets a national benchmark for marine protection and governance and represents a major achievement for the National Coordinating Body (NCB) and its member organisations advancing coastal and marine conservation. This island is a critical habitat for coral reefs, nesting sea turtles, and migratory birds.
- Churna Island: Declared as Pakistan's second Marine Protected Area in September 2024. Located near Karachi, Churna Island is another biodiversity hotspot with coral habitats. Its designation is another "important step towards achieving this target."
- Feasibility Studies for New MPAs: IUCN Pakistan and the National Coordinating Body (NCB) are actively conducting feasibility studies to support the 30x30 target, focusing on potential new MPA sites like the Indus Creek, Miani Hor, and Kalmat Khor. This indicates a proactive approach to expanding the network of protected areas.
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Ongoing efforts continue to protect Hawksbay and Sandspit, vital coastal zones near Karachi with delicate coral ecosystems.
Current Coverage:
- As of May 2021, Pakistan had 0.8% marine protected area coverage (6 protected areas, 1,707.4 km2) reported in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).
- With the recent declarations of Astola and Churna Island as MPAs, and the development of their management plans, this percentage is expected to have increased, although an exact updated figure for Pakistan's current 30x30 progress specifically for marine areas is not readily available in public statements at the granular level. However, the continuous designation of MPAs and the ongoing feasibility studies demonstrate a clear commitment to increasing this percentage.
Participation in Regional and Global Frameworks
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Through its National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Pakistan participates in the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) and other regional partnerships.
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At UNOC2 in 2022, Pakistan pushed for equitable benefit-sharing in deep-sea mining and actively supported the BBNJ negotiation process.
Scientific Research in Antarctica
Since 1991, the Pakistan Antarctic Programme (PAP), supported by the Pakistan Navy, has operated the Jinnah Antarctic Station and the Iqbal Observatory. These platforms support global oceanographic research, with implications for climate change understanding and marine biodiversity.
Institutional Strength: Driving Ocean Conservation Through Research and Diplomacy
Pakistan Navy: Custodian of Maritime Ecology
The Pakistan Navy has emerged as a proactive force in environmental stewardship. Its key initiatives include:
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Oil Spill Prevention and enforcement of pollution control regulations.
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Bans on destructive fishing nets, especially bottom trawling and fine-mesh nets.
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Mangrove regeneration projects, with over 8 million saplings planted across the coastal belt.
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A pioneering wastewater treatment wetland in Karachi, capable of treating 150,000 gallons per day, preventing untreated sewage from reaching the sea.
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Integration of environmental protection themes into international maritime exercises such as AMAN, positioning ecological diplomacy as a central tenet of Pakistan’s naval outreach.
National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA)
NIMA organizes international seminars, fosters awareness, and helps inform maritime policy with a special focus on ocean sustainability and governance.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
Established in 1981, NIO leads Pakistan’s multidisciplinary marine research. Major contributions include:
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Mapping Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
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Producing tide prediction models and conducting coastal impact assessments.
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Representing Pakistan at the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) and assisting in damage assessment after major marine pollution incidents like the Tasman Spirit oil spill.
Geopolitical Dimensions: Ocean Health as a Regional Security Issue
Pakistan’s leadership on marine issues is not without challenges. Ambassador Baloch raised a strategic concern at UNOC3, referencing the Arabian Sea's degradation due to unilateral upstream water diversions. This is widely understood as a reference to India's water management policies. Pakistan framed this issue as a violation of international law and a threat to ocean health, urging the global community to oppose the “weaponization of water.”
Pakistan’s Strategic Policy Anchors
Pakistan’s ocean governance strategy is shaped by foundational global principles:
Commitment to UNCLOS and SDG 14
Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14: the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
A core component of Pakistan’s climate and marine diplomacy is its advocacy for common but differentiated responsibilities—a principle that acknowledges the greater historical emissions of industrialized nations and calls for them to shoulder more of the financial and technological burden.
Call for Equity in Marine Resource Governance
Pakistan insists that sustainable ocean management must be built upon financial equity, technology access, and institutional strengthening—especially for developing nations facing the brunt of environmental degradation.
Challenges Ahead: Funding, Capacity, and Regional Friction
Despite these commendable efforts, Pakistan faces constraints:
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Limited national funding restricts the scope of marine conservation projects.
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Capacity gaps in high-tech marine surveillance and data collection hinder enforcement.
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Regional geopolitics, particularly water-sharing disputes with India, remain a significant barrier to cross-border marine cooperation.
A Nation Anchored in Maritime Responsibility
Pakistan’s trajectory in ocean governance shows a nation steadily transitioning from a passive participant to an active, vocal, and strategic stakeholder. From establishing the first marine protected areas in its waters, to maintaining polar research stations in Antarctica, to demanding global accountability at UNOC3, Pakistan is charting a course that places marine conservation at the center of national and international policy.
The country's call for a multilateral response, rooted in fairness, science, and regional stability, affirms its serious intent to protect the blue frontier—not just for itself, but for future generations across the globe.
Ocean Polluters in Focus: India’s Marine Footprint
As a major Indian Ocean power, India’s environmental footprint is both immense and consequential, particularly in the Arabian Sea. Despite sustainability rhetoric, the data paints a concerning picture.
Plastic Pollution: A Crisis Flowing Downstream
India generates an estimated 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily. Nearly 40% remains uncollected, much of it making its way into rivers like the Ganges, eventually reaching the ocean. A 2020 study estimated that India contributes approximately 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste to global oceans annually.
In fact, according to #PlasticFreeJuly and RAJA UK, India ranked as the world’s largest oceanic plastic polluter in 2022, responsible for 126.5 million kilograms of waste entering marine environments.
Sewage and Industrial Waste: Silent Killers of the Sea
The largest source of water pollution in India is untreated sewage. Nearly 40 million liters enter rivers and water bodies daily, ultimately affecting the marine ecosystem. Beyond this, industrial discharges from textile and chemical plants in Gujarat and Maharashtra routinely breach environmental regulations. A 2023 report by the Central Pollution Control Board found 60% of effluent samples from these states violated pollution norms.
Overfishing: Resource Depletion in Real Time
With one of the world’s largest fishing fleets, India’s marine resources are under unprecedented strain. A 2022 FAO report revealed that 70% of India’s marine fisheries are now overexploited, a crisis that threatens both biodiversity and food security.
Water Weaponization and Regional Instability
Pakistan has long accused India of manipulating upstream water flows through controversial dam projects like Kishanganga. These hydrological changes not only breach the Indus Waters Treaty but also alter the salinity and ecology of the Arabian Sea, intensifying tensions and undermining regional environmental cooperation.
While India has implemented initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and actively participated in BBNJ treaty discussions, its domestic priorities often eclipse its global oceanic responsibilities. At UNOC3, India's diplomatic footprint was less prominent than Pakistan's—suggesting a tactical retreat from international ocean leadership.
➤ Pakistan’s callout at UNOC3 wasn’t empty rhetoric—it’s backed by hard data and regional consequences.
Geopolitical Implications: A Fractured Ocean Future?
UNOC3 served as a lens into the growing divide in global ocean governance. The absence of the United States from critical discussions, paired with its unilateral push for deep-sea mining, signaled a departure from multilateralism—leaving a leadership vacuum.
This vacuum is now being filled by China, which continues to expand its maritime footprint, and developing nations like Pakistan, which voice calls for ocean equity but lack enforcement power.
The Arabian Sea has become a microcosm of these global divides.
Pakistan’s alarm over “water weaponization” by India reflects how regional disputes are increasingly spilling into international forums, complicating consensus-building and implementation.
Without binding mechanisms, UNOC3’s gains remain fragile. Global governance of the oceans requires more than statements—it demands enforceable frameworks, inclusive leadership, and equitable resource sharing.
How Pakistan Can Lead This Change Program
To transition from an active participant to a leading host and change agent, Pakistan needs a multi-pronged strategic approach:
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Accelerate National Ocean Conservation:
- Expand and Effectively Manage MPAs: Go beyond designation. Invest in robust management plans, surveillance, enforcement, and community engagement for existing and new MPAs. Aim to exceed the 30x30 target to demonstrate ambition.
- Combat Plastic Pollution Aggressively: Implement a comprehensive national strategy for plastic waste management, including bans on single-use plastics, investment in recycling infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. Show tangible reductions in marine plastic litter.
- Promote Sustainable Fisheries: Implement and enforce strict regulations against IUU fishing. Invest in sustainable aquaculture and support local fishing communities in adopting eco-friendly practices.
- Enhance Coastal Resilience: Invest in nature-based solutions like large-scale mangrove restoration and coastal protection measures against sea-level rise and storm surges.
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Strengthen Marine Science and Research:
- Boost Funding for NIO: Significantly increase funding for the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and other marine research institutions to enhance their capacity for data collection, analysis, and policy advice.
- Invest in Oceanographic Equipment: Acquire and utilize advanced research vessels, underwater drones, and monitoring systems to conduct comprehensive surveys of the Arabian Sea.
- Foster International Research Collaborations: Actively seek partnerships with leading global marine research institutions and universities. Leverage the Pakistan Antarctic Programme as a symbol of scientific commitment.
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Champion South-South Cooperation and Equity:
- Lead by Example on Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: Continue to advocate for this principle, but also demonstrate how Pakistan, as a developing nation, is taking significant steps, encouraging other developing countries.
- Offer Capacity Building to Neighbors: Once robust domestic models are established, offer expertise and training to other countries in the region facing similar challenges.
- Propose Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Develop and advocate for new financial mechanisms for ocean conservation that are equitable and accessible to developing nations.
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Proactive Diplomatic Engagement:
- Formal Expression of Interest: Officially express interest in hosting a future UN Ocean Conference, perhaps in 2030 or beyond, providing a timeline for achieving specific milestones.
- Build Coalitions: Form strong alliances with like-minded countries, especially developing and coastal nations, to jointly advocate for shared interests and support Pakistan's hosting bid.
- Highlight Regional Ocean Issues: Position the Arabian Sea as a vital but vulnerable ecosystem requiring urgent global attention, underscoring Pakistan's unique perspective.
- Address Regional Water Disputes Constructively: While sensitive, finding constructive ways to address concerns about cross-border water issues, as highlighted by Ambassador Baloch, will also build trust and demonstrate Pakistan's commitment to regional stability, which is vital for broader environmental cooperation.
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Develop World-Class Conference Infrastructure:
- Identify a Suitable Coastal City: Focus on developing Karachi or Gwadar as potential conference hubs, ensuring modern facilities, accommodation, transport links, and security infrastructure tailored for a major international event.
- Promote Sustainable Practices for Conference Hosting: Ensure that any future conference hosted in Pakistan embodies principles of sustainability, with minimal environmental footprint.
Final Thoughts: UNOC3—A Turning Point or Just Another Talkfest?
UNOC3 undeniably raised awareness and mobilized new voices. But:
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❌ No binding agreements
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❌ No global consensus on deep-sea mining
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❌ Funding gaps still yawning
Still, it amplified Pakistan’s voice, advanced the BBNJ treaty, and sparked critical public discourse.
Whether it’s a gimmick or game-changer depends on one thing:
Will promises made in Nice survive the next storm?
The UN Ocean Conference 2025 underscores a global consensus on the urgency of the ocean crisis but reveals a persistent disconnect in collective accountability and equitable resource mobilization. The bottom line is that the world is at a fork in the blue road: one path leads to a future where multilateral frameworks gain teeth, finance flows to where it's needed most, and nations genuinely collaborate to safeguard the ocean; the other leads to an increasingly exploited, degraded "Wild West" where short-term gain trumps long-term survival. The success of this conference, and indeed the future of our oceans, hinges on whether the collective will generated in Nice can translate into binding commitments and robust, enforced actions that transcend national self-interest and geopolitical divides.
"The ocean's future is not written in the stars, but in the choices we make, today."
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