UCT-MARIS contributes to shaping science-based priorities at the 2025 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Nice, France
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) took place from 9 – 13 June 2025 in Nice, France, marking a pivotal moment for global ocean action. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, UN member states, heads of government, international agencies, civil society, private sector leaders, and donors convened to accelerate urgent measures for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
The conference was preceded by three key events: the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC, June 3–6 in Nice), where more than 2,000 scientists presented the latest state of ocean health and policy recommendations; the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (June 7–8 in Monaco); and the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition (June 7 in Nice). These gatherings set the tone for a week of transformative discussions linking science, policy, and action.
UCT-MARiS at the Forefront of Ocean Decade Science and Policy
UCT-MARiS was proudly represented at several high-level sessions and side events, ensuring that African voices, knowledge, and expertise contributed to global ocean governance discussions.
Prof Lynne Shannon, Deputy Director of UCT-MARiS, participated in the International Science Council (ISC)-coordinated side event “Bridging Science, Policy, and Action: Enhancing Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Inclusive and Equitable Ocean Governance.” Alongside Prof Robbert Dijkgraaf and Dr Peter Haugan, she emphasized that effective ocean governance requires cross-sectoral, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural collaboration. “60% of global marine ecosystems have already been degraded or unsustainably used—equity and inclusivity must be at the heart of the solutions we develop,” she noted. Prof Shannon also participated in the One Ocean Science Congress and the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, contributing to dialogues that linked ocean health with social equity, cultural respect, and sustainable economies.
Dr Emma Rocke presented at the One Ocean Science Congress and the UNOC3 Plankton Manifesto session, highlighting the pioneering work of the #MissionMicrobiome expedition in partnership with the Tara Ocean Foundation and the AtlantECO Project. She showcased how research from African waters—from Cape Town to Senegal—is uncovering the ocean’s microbial biodiversity and its essential role in climate regulation, food security, and ecosystem resilience. “Microbes are the invisible drivers of ocean health—yet their stories are just beginning to be told,” she shared.
Dr Louise Gammage, UCT-MARiS Research Fellow and Work Package lead for the AOS-SAMOS Masters Programme, joined the UNOC3 virtual side event “Bridging Academia and Action: Advancing Partnerships for SDG 14, Knowledge-Sharing, and Ocean Literacy,” co-hosted by the International Association of Universities and partners including the University of Bergen, University of the West Indies, and Ocean University of China. Dr Gammage outlined how interdisciplinary training through the AOS-SAMOS programme is equipping the next generation of marine professionals to drive innovation across the ocean services sector and the Blue Economy.
Reflections from Prof. Lynne Shannon
Reflecting on her participation at the OOSC, BEFF, and UNOC3, Prof. Shannon shared:
“In my view, UNOC3 succeeded in recognizing diverse voices and seeking unity among them, emphasizing the critical role of science and the need to strengthen cross-sectoral, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural efforts to save our Ocean—and our planet—from destruction. By cross-discipline, I mean natural science, law, business, politics, social sciences, and the arts. By cross-sectoral, I mean fishing, shipping, mining, and tourism. By cross-cultural, I mean bridging countries, regions, knowledge systems, and values. All this can and must be done while recognizing the rights of the Ocean to not only exist but to thrive.”
She further noted how Indigenous and ancient traditions of human–nature relationships were gaining visibility at UNOC3, offering valuable insights for reimagining conservation and governance. “Ecosystem-based management needs revitalizing, reformulating, and re-envisioning,” she said, highlighting that exciting opportunities lie in the fusion of arts, science, law, technology, and local wisdom to advance ocean stewardship.
However, she also raised a concern about the underrepresentation of Southern Africa in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Action Panel. “It saddened me that our region was so quiet in this space—it does not reflect the rich, innovative, and impactful research and management work being done here. I hope to see stronger representation from Southern Africa at UNOC4 so that our insights truly inform the global agenda.”
Strengthening Collaborations for Ocean Solutions
Several new collaborations and opportunities emerged for UCT-MARiS through UNOC3 engagements:
- Law–Science Partnerships and Indigenous Knowledge Systems: New frameworks for integrating traditional and legal approaches into ocean governance discussions.
- Offshore Wind Monitoring: A collaboration initiated with Stephanie Limouzin (CLS), who will visit UCT-MARiS in July 2025 to discuss ocean observation instrumentation.
- Plastic Pollution and Circular Solutions: A partnership with Nina Lantinga of Nets for Net Zero, who will visit MARiS in September 2025 to explore community-led solutions to fishing-gear-related pollution in False Bay.
- Antarctic Conservation: Strengthened ties with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the Prince Albert Foundation to enhance Antarctic seabird protection and conservation research through student projects.
Shaping the Future: Bridging Science, Policy, and Action
The UNOC3 conference reaffirmed the power of collaboration to drive progress toward SDG 14: Life Below Water. The UNOC3 platform provided more than just dialogue—it catalyzed commitments to strengthen the science–policy interface, advance equitable ocean governance, and build new partnerships for sustainability. Through active participation and thought leadership, UCT-MARiS continues to strengthen the science–policy interface and advance ocean literacy, ensuring that African science is not only part of the global conversation but helping to shape the decision-making frameworks that guide ocean governance worldwide. From microbial biodiversity and ecosystem-based management to education and innovation, including capacity-building for future generations, UCT-MARiS remains committed to bridging science, policy, and action—driving inclusive, equitable, and informed decision-making for a thriving ocean and a sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
The conversations in Nice reaffirmed that the ocean counts—and every voice counts in its stewardship. For UCT-MARiS, the path forward involves strengthening collaborations, expanding opportunities for early-career researchers, and continuing to embed inclusivity, equity, and scientific excellence in all aspects of our work.
We are proud of our team’s role at UNOC3 and look forward to contributing to the ongoing global efforts that drive meaningful progress toward SDG 14: Life Below Water.
🔗 Learn more about the above-mentioned events in the links below:
UCT-MARiS at 2025 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Nice
