Greece Takes Global Stage at UN Ocean Conference in Nice

Nice, France, becomes the epicenter of international maritime and environmental policy starting June 9, as it hosts the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3).

Bringing together nations, organizations, and scientific institutions worldwide, the conference underscores Greece’s pivotal role in advancing ocean protection and sustainable blue growth. With a clear strategy, Greece aims to strengthen global cooperation on marine biodiversity, ocean conservation, and sustainable development.

As one of the first European nations to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, Greece is at the forefront of this critical moment for the future of the world’s oceans. The country is pushing for swift implementation of international commitments, increased funding, and robust legal frameworks to ensure meaningful marine protection.

UNOC-3: A Global Call to Action
Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC-3 aims to produce the Nice Ocean Action Declaration—a political commitment with clear targets, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms. The conference will lay the groundwork for new multilateral partnerships, innovative financing tools, and technological solutions to restore coastal ecosystems and strengthen national action plans.

Greece’s Leadership in Ocean Protection
Greece’s delegation, led by Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Chair of the Parliament’s Environment Committee and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Oceans, is advocating for increased funding to protect marine biodiversity. “The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14, ‘Life Below Water,’ is severely underfunded,” Dr. Avgerinopoulou noted. “Closing this gap requires more resources and rapid ratification of the BBNJ agreement by at least 60 countries. Greece was among the first to act.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will chair a key plenary session, promoting the global 30x30 target: protecting 30% of the planet’s marine and ocean ecosystems by 2030. Greece’s recent announcement of two new marine protected parks aligns with this ambition, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable ocean management.

“Our maritime heritage positions us as leaders in the green transition of shipping and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy,” Dr. Avgerinopoulou emphasised.0

Greece’s Priorities: Biodiversity, Pollution, and Science
Greece’s agenda at UNOC-3 focuses on:
- Sustainable ocean and fisheries management
- Tackling ocean acidification and pollution, particularly from micro- and nanoplastics
- Collecting scientific data to inform evidence-based policies
- Linking marine policy with climate change solutions

Greece also supports the Global Plastic Treaty, a legally binding agreement to combat plastic pollution worldwide.

HCMR: Oceans as Our Planet’s Shield
Dr. Aristomenis Karageorgis, Director of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), is a key member of Greece’s delegation. He stressed the oceans’ critical role: “Oceans are our shield, but they face a triple threat—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This conference is vital for turning commitments into action.”

He called for concrete measures over mere declarations: “Solutions and technologies exist. What’s needed is global implementation.”

Greece’s strategy includes reducing pollution by 2030 or 2050, expanding marine protected areas, and contributing to global scientific networks.

A Collective Responsibility
UNOC-3 marks a turning point for global ocean governance. Greece arrives with a clear plan, bold initiatives, and a wealth of maritime expertise. Yet, protecting the oceans is not just a task for governments and organizations—it demands global cooperation, scientific rigor, political will, and public support.

As Greece’s delegation asserts, “Protecting our oceans is everyone’s responsibility.” The Nice conference offers a critical platform to prove it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KvOY6tamU