THE OCEAN AGENDA

Dive into the detail of marine protection and 30x30 through thought-provoking opinion pieces, in-depth explorations, inspiring case studies and more. Together for the Ocean brings you insights and perspectives from participating organizations and industry experts committed to protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

30x30 Priorities

High Seas

Ocean Policy

Ocean Protection

From Agreement to Action: Making the High Seas Treaty Work

Lisa Speer, Director, International Oceans Program, NRDC, highlights the important proceedings of the UN Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Agreement, which is laying the foundation for implementing the landmark agreement to protect the high seas.

By Lisa Speer • 5 min read

Investing in Climate-Resilient Reefs as a Strategy for Coral Survival and Achieving 30×30

Climate-resilient corals can recover from the impacts of climate change, serving as vital havens for marine life and supporting coastal communities. Dr Emily Darling, Director of Coral Reef Conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society, and Margaux Monfared, International Policy and Advocacy Director for the International Coral Reef Initiative, explore why.

By Margaux Monfared and Dr. Emily Darling • 04 August 2025 • 10 min read

Emmanuel Macron (centre right), President of the Republic of France, speaks during the opening of the UN Ocean Conference. At third from left is Secretary-General António Guterres

Indigenous Stewardship

Ocean Policy

Ocean Protection

From Words to Waves: Can Promises from UNOC3 Turn into Lasting Change for our Blue Planet?

Claire Blanchard, Global Advocacy and Political Strategy Lead, Blue Nature Alliance, shares an overview of key moments from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and looks ahead to the action now needed to effectively achieve 30x30 in the ocean.

By Claire Blanchard • 03 July 2025 • 6 min read

Indigenous Stewardship

Ocean protection: closing the gaps for finance, ambition and implementation

Pauli Merriman, Head of Policy, Oceans Practice, WWF International and Sivaja Nair, Programme Manager at RISE UP, share key findings from the newly launched Ocean Protection Gap report and outline the urgent actions needed to close the gaps on finance, ambition and implementation to achieve 30x30 in the ocean.

By Pauli Merriman and Sivaja Nair • 06 June 2025 • 6 min read

The time to act is now: UNOC3 must deliver for the ocean

Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, issues a clear message ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference: we must unite, act fast, and deliver on 30x30 – before it’s too late.

By Peter Thomson • 22 May 2025 • 7 min read

30x30 Priorities

Blue Finance

Coastal Communities

Indigenous Stewardship

Ocean Solutions

UNOC: To Meet Global Ocean Ambitions, Fund Local Solutions

Local government leaders from the coastal Global South and members of Coastal 500 Mayor Alfredo Coro II. (Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Philippines), Mayor Bachrun Labuta (Muna District, Indonesia) and Mayor Hamilton Brito (Curuçá, Brazil) call for greater investment in community-level action at the UN Ocean Conference and beyond.

By Bachrun Labuta, Mayor Alfredo Coro II. and Hamilton Brito • 19 May 2025 • 4 min read

Enabling 30×30 In The Ocean: From Local Action to Global Impact

Rita El Zaghloul, Director of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature & People Secretariat, shares key takeaways from their Our Ocean Conference side event, including details on the newly launched 30x30 Rapid Deployment Mechanism.

By Rita El Zaghloul • 30 April 2025 • 6 min read

Vessel Tracking: How Digital Technology Can Help Protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030

With the role of digital technology taking center stage at the 2025 Our Ocean Conference, Global Fishing Watch’s Tony Long and Paolo Domondon renew their call for a binding vessel tracking agreement to efficiently and accurately achieve 30x30.

By Tony Long and Paolo Domondon • 17 April 2025 • 4 min read

Mountains covered in ice and snow by the ocean

Protecting the Southern ocean: a key step towards achieving 30×30

Holly Parker Curry, MPA Campaign Director at the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, highlights the crucial role of the Southern ocean in reaching 30x30 commitments.

By Holly Parker Curry • 08 April 2025 • 6 min read

Alexandra Cousteau as a child with her father

Roots in Ocean Protection: How 30×30 Can Unlock a Thriving and Abundant Ocean

Alexandra Cousteau, Ocean Advocate, President and Co-Founder of Oceans 2050, and Senior Advisor to Oceana, shares her family's legacy and highlights the urgent need for accelerated ocean action for future generations.

By Alexandra Cousteau • 01 April 2025 • 5 min read

THE OCEAN AGENDA

Search by key themes

From Agreement to Action: Making the High Seas Treaty Work

Investing in Climate-Resilient Reefs as a Strategy for Coral Survival and Achieving 30×30

From Words to Waves: Can Promises from UNOC3 Turn into Lasting Change for our Blue Planet?

Ocean protection: closing the gaps for finance, ambition and implementation

The time to act is now: UNOC3 must deliver for the ocean

UNOC: To Meet Global Ocean Ambitions, Fund Local Solutions

Enabling 30×30 In The Ocean: From Local Action to Global Impact

Vessel Tracking: How Digital Technology Can Help Protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030

Protecting the Southern ocean: a key step towards achieving 30×30

Roots in Ocean Protection: How 30×30 Can Unlock a Thriving and Abundant Ocean