France and Minderoo Foundation announce partnership for UN Ocean Conference in Nice

08 Jun 2025 – Nice, France – The Government of France and Minderoo Foundation have announced a strategic partnership in support of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.

Taking place a decade after the Paris Agreement, UNOC3 aims to accelerate global action for ocean conservation, particularly the protection of at least 30 per cent of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030 (30×30), with a focus on biodiversity hotspots.

As a Premium Sponsor of UNOC3, Minderoo Foundation brings bold ambition to this global effort, combining science, philanthropy, and advocacy to drive practical solutions for ocean health, including ecosystem monitoring and maritime decarbonisation.

“This month, France and Costa Rica are hosting the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice,” stated French President Emmanuel Macron. “We need concrete commitments and partnerships to strengthen the ocean’s role in fighting climate change.”

The President will thank Minderoo Foundation for its decisive engagement during an event celebrating the World Oceans Day (8 June) at the UNOC Centre La Baleine (The Whale).

Dr Andrew Forrest said the Foundation would continue to drive 30x30 — enforceable, no-take Marine Parks covering at least 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.

“Marine Protected Areas deliver results - within 10 years, fish biomass increases by up to 500 per cent, catches more than double, and larger, older fish become powerful breeders that restore ocean abundance,” Dr Forrest said.

“A healthy ocean underpins our economy – ensuring long-term food security, supporting coastal jobs, and strengthening economic resilience.”

Dr Forrest also called for urgent measures to end destructive industrial practices like deep-sea bottom trawling, highlighted in the documentary Ocean with David Attenborough.

In the lead-up to UNOC3, Minderoo and France co-hosted the Indian Ocean Forum in Perth, setting the stage for deeper collaboration. At UNOC3, Minderoo will present its OceanOmics initiative, which advances marine genomics and eDNA tools to support conservation science.

UNOC3 will also feature the Green Pioneer, the world’s first dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel, as a symbol of innovation and collective action.

Dr Forrest’s personal support to France reflects a shared commitment to making 2025 a decisive year for the ocean.

Since its launch in 2017, the United Nations Ocean Conference has become the foremost global platform for advancing sustainable ocean use. Hosted in Nice – a UNESCO City of Art and History on the frontline of rising sea levels – the 2025 edition seeks to build a “Blue New Deal” and attract commitments from over 150 countries, uniting political leaders, civil society, scientists, private sector pioneers, and philanthropists.

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