Italy’s Side Event at UNOC3 2025
From 9 to 13 June 2025, the city of Nice will host the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), a pivotal global event dedicated to advancing the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. Among the many activities surrounding the summit, numerous side events will be held both in-person and virtually, organized in collaboration with UN Member States, UN bodies, intergovernmental organizations, and accredited non-governmental stakeholders.
A significant focus will be placed on the Mediterranean Sea, with several side events addressing themes such as decentralized cooperation, the blue economy, and civil society action on climate change. These discussions will underscore the Mediterranean’s unique challenges and its potential to lead regional ocean sustainability efforts.
Mediterranean focused side events at UNOC3 2025
As part of the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, which will take place in Nice from 9 to 13 June, significant importance will be given to the numerous side events organized by the UN system, intergovernmental organizations, and accredited non-governmental stakeholders.
The side events will be an opportunity for all participants to share knowledge and solutions to accelerate the implementation of SDG 14, identify new and emerging issues, exchange national and local experiences and practices, and showcase voluntary commitments under the Voluntary Ocean Commitments.
The side events will be closely aligned with the main theme of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all stakeholders to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
Digital Campaign to highlight Mediterranean Action at UNOC3 2025
Launched last January by Ms. Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention, “Odyssey Reloaded”, the digital campaign born to celebrate 50 years of action for our sea and coasts by UNEP/MAP, continues its journey across the Mediterranean under full sail.
Created by INFO/RAC, Odyssey Reloaded is a network of routes in a virtual MAP ship that disseminates all the initiatives planned by UNEP/MAP, Contracting Parties, MAP Partners, and other stakeholders within the Mediterranean region.
UNOC3 2025 is Coming!
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will take place in Nice in June 2025. Co-organized by the governments of France and Costa Rica, the summit will bring together approximately 100 Heads of State, 20,000 delegates, and numerous stakeholders and experts from around the world.
This is a major event for the protection of marine ecosystems and one of the most significant global gatherings of the year dedicated to safeguarding ocean and seabed biodiversity.
Each morning, a plenary session will be held during which UN Member States will make statements on their commitment to the ocean.
Additionally, dialogues involving Member States—referred to as the “Ocean Action Panels”—will enable the engagement of diverse actors and the creation of coalitions and projects in favor of the ocean.
Summary Report: Foresight Workshop – MED 2050 Transition Pathways
On May 12th, the summary report of the foresight workshop “Transition Pathways for the Mediterranean – MED 2050” was published.
This summary note presents the outcomes of the workshop held in Tangier, Morocco, on February 4–5, 2025, highlighting experts’ perspectives on the future challenges of the Mediterranean, the prospective scenarios developed in the MED 2050 report, and the assessment of the relevance and plausibility of these scenarios in the Moroccan context.
Organized by the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES), the event brought together leading experts to explore future scenarios for the Mediterranean region and define sustainable transition strategies.
SPA/RAC at the 2nd MPN Seminar
As a member of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network (MPN) task force, SPA/RAC co-organised the 2nd MPN Seminar, held from 5 to 9 May 2025 in Hammamet, Tunisia.
The event brought together 92 participants from 16 Mediterranean countries, united by the common goal of restoring 100% of threatened Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean by 2030.
This edition marked a key milestone with the validation of the MPN Roadmap—a strategic framework guiding regional conservation and restoration efforts for Posidonia oceanica, aligned with the implementation of the SPA/BD Protocol, the Post-2020 SAPBIO, and the Regional Action Plan for Marine Vegetation.
New Data reveals persistent gaps in maritime sector
The latest IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey reveals ongoing gender disparities in the maritime industry, despite a slight increase in female participation. The 2024 survey, based on data from IMO Member States and private sector organizations, shows women make up just under 19% of the total workforce—down from 26% in 2021. In national maritime authorities, women represent 19%, and only 16% in the private sector (excluding seafarers). At sea, women account for only 1% of the seafaring workforce.
The report notes growth in female representation in emerging sectors like ESG and decarbonization but declines in others such as legal services and bunkering. Barriers like gender stereotypes, lack of family-friendly policies, safety concerns, and the gender pay gap continue to hinder progress.
Landmark Global Shipping Agreement for Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
The European Commission has welcomed a major agreement reached at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping by 2050. While not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement yet, this is seen as a foundational step toward the industry’s energy transition.
Recognition for Plan Bleu’s Commitment to a Sustainable Mediterranean
Plan Bleu received the “Europe-Africa Hub Category” award at the 2025 Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille, recognizing its commitment to a sustainable Mediterranean.
Represented by Christelle El Selfani and Samson Bellières, the organization was honored by One Provence during a day of discussions on Europe-Africa cooperation.
The event brought together leaders, experts, economic and institutional stakeholders to discuss avenues for cooperation between Europe and Africa. Innovation, co-development, port strategy, infrastructure, space-related issues, and cultural industries were all key topics, with special attention given to Morocco, the guest country of honor for this edition.
The Mediterranean is Now a SECA Area
As of 1 May 2025, the Mediterranean Sea has officially become a Sulphur Emission Control Area (Med SOx ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI, requiring ships to use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.1%.
The IMO Net-zero Framework is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.
Approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MEPC 83) from 7–11 April 2025, the measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.
A Success Story: The WaterLANDS Project
The WaterLANDS project was featured as a success story by the Green Deal Projects Support Office for its efforts in scaling up wetland restoration and developing innovative governance. WaterLANDS addresses the ongoing decline of wetlands by establishing best practices and laying the groundwork for large-scale restoration across Europe. The project draws on experience from 15 wetland “Knowledge Sites” to carry out on-the-ground restoration at six “Action Sites.”
It is also developing governance frameworks, blended finance models, and stakeholder engagement strategies to enable sustainable wetland restoration that delivers not only environmental benefits, but also social and economic ones.
New Website for UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Seas Programme announces the launch of its new website, featuring updated, informative content and enhanced functionality.
Launched on 29 April 2025 during the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Korea, the website serves as a digital hub for accessing information on ocean governance, legal frameworks, partnerships, and regional actions. It aligns with global commitments to leverage digital innovation for a sustainable ocean.
The new website improves access to critical information on ocean governance, marine conservation, and regional cooperation. It supports the conference theme, “Our Ocean, Our Action,” and its special agenda on “Digital Oceans.”
A Nature-Based Solution for Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Restoration
Located in the heart of Mikindani, a low-income residential area in Mombasa, and funded by the European Union, UNEP has successfully implemented an innovative and cost-effective nature-based solution to address the area’s persistent wastewater problem through the Go Blue project. Funded by the European Union, the Go Blue project seeks to build a sustainable blue economy in coastal Kenya while generating environmental, social, and economic benefits for local communities.
