Portugal Takes Centre Stage at UNOC3: Leading Commitments for Ocean Protection

The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) concluded in Nice after five days (June 9-13) of high-level discussions and bold pledges to safeguard the world’s oceans. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the summit brought together over 170 countries, reaffirming global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water 

Portugal’s Key Announcements

Portugal reinforced its contribution to marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance and unveiled major steps to expand its Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Portuguese Government announced that the Gorringe Seamount, a biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic, will see its conservation status strengthened by the end of the year. 

At UNOC3, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister for the Environment, reiterated Portugal’s pledge to protect 30% of its maritime area by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

From Lisbon to Nice: A Strategic Partnership

Portugal’s strong presence at UNOC3 built on its legacy as cohost, with Kenya, of the second UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon (2022). Earlier this year, Portugal and France signed the “Lisbon to Nice Declaration”, reaffirming their shared responsibility to protect the ocean and accelerate the transition to renewable offshore energy. Both nations committed to achieving 30% ocean protection by 2030 and strengthening cooperation within the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. 

Global ContextThe conference adopted the Nice Ocean Action Plan, including a political declaration titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action” and over 800 voluntary commitments. These ranged from expanding MPAs to mobilizing ocean finance and combating marine pollution.