After an amazing week at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, Jess Howard reflects on what she learned, shared and felt during an event dedicated to the future of our oceans.
Pollution Solutions Programme Manager
While there’s still too much talk and not always enough action at these high-level conferences, UNOC3 brought together a truly inspirational group of ocean advocates. It was a moment to connect, and to share frustrations and hopes in equal measure. I’ve come away feeling very inspired and a little bit angry, a powerful combination that, if felt by everyone, could drive the meaningful and urgent action that our ocean desperately needs.
Walking towards the Blue Zone first thing on Monday, the streets were buzzing with activity. Swifts darted overhead, huge crowds gathered for the opening ceremony, and the humid heat where the city meets the sea clung to everything. Unfortunately, getting into the ceremony proved almost impossible, so we headed to the Green Zone, a vibrant space open to the public and filled with interactive stalls, exhibits and discussions.
The Green Zone quickly earned the nickname “the introverts’ nightmare”, so naturally, I loved it. I spent the day flitting between talks and events, soaking in the atmosphere and connecting with people. I don’t know if I’ve ever been somewhere where there are so many people that care so deeply about the ocean. It was overwhelming, but in the best way.
One of the key highlights from the day was the launch of the Galapagos Governing Council’s Blue Economy Framework, intended as a model for other island communities. In the evening, we attended a Galapagos event hosted by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), where we reconnected with key partners and laid plans for the busy week ahead.
On Tuesday, I made up for lost time and spent all day in the Blue Zone. The atmosphere was more formal (and just as humid), with more ministers and fewer opportunities to engage with speakers. I manage GCTs plastic pollution programme, so I focused on as many plastic- and pollution-themed events as possible. While calling for urgent action and solutions, too often they stalled at outlining the scale of the problem, and repeating depressingly well-known statistics. Still, there was progress: more than 90 ministers signed a declaration in support of a Global Plastics Treaty, but there were notable absences from the delegates present.
Find out more about the GCT team’s participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference, including our online panel discussion with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Fundación Ariana Rapa Nui, and our Policy Brief calling on delegates to accelerate solutions for a pollution free Galapagos.
Halfway through the week, I felt a real shift. Wednesday’s sessions left me feeling relieved and hopeful, especially those focused on human rights, small island developing states and early career ocean professionals (ECOPs). A new Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) was launched, bringing together ECOPs from all over the world to amplify a united voice and demand meaningful engagement with top-level political decision making. They reminded us all that protecting the ocean is inextricably linked to protecting and supporting communities, and if we can get that right then we can make lasting change.
My favourite day of the whole week. Let’s cut to the chase, we met Dr Sylvia Earle. Her Royal Deepness! A lifelong ocean advocate, amazing collaborator, and passionate advocate for Galapagos, it was surreal to be in the same room while Ecuador announced its nomination of the Hermandad Marine Reserve as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was amazing.
Straight afterwards, we dashed to the Green Zone to support Dr Inti Keith of CDF, as she presented on her work with CMAR (the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor) and the power of regional collaboration. I then attended a fantastic session by the Scientists’ Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, which struck just the right balance between science and action, and prompted the public to ask any and all questions they had about the treaty negotiations.
I ended the day aboard the research vessel Meteor, where a fiery debate flipped my whole week on its head. Panellists debated whether or not it’s too late to save our ocean, and they clashed over industry accountability, political will, missed opportunities and the role of optimism. The passion and fury of some panellists left me feeling more energised than any panel discussion could have.
GCT’s CEO Dr Jen Jones reflects on her experiences in 2023 as part of an expedition to the Galapagos Marine Reserve led by the legendary Dr Sylvia Earle.
Friday, our last day, was characterised by interactive sessions, summary briefings from the week, networking with NGOs and some fantastic panel discussions on animal welfare and gender inclusion in ocean conservation and management – both essential conversations that need more visibility.
UNOC was a flurry of emotion, ideas and action. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful. I was so proud to be there representing GCT, and I’m excited to ride this wave of momentum towards a future where oceans and islands are thriving.
UNOC was a flurry of emotion, ideas and action. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful.
