UN conference urges stronger voice of Global South in ocean governance

The Global South holds a pivotal stake in marine biodiversity. Reports highlighted that the Exclusive Economic Zones of Small Island Developing States represent around 30 percent of all oceans and seas.

NICE, France, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, southern France, from June 9 to 13, emphasized the vital role of the Global South in international ocean development and governance, given its strategic geographic positioning and acute vulnerability to environmental changes.

Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference convened delegates from UN member states, international organizations, the scientific community, civil society, and the private sector to deliberate on solutions for sustainable ocean governance.

CHALLENGES FACING THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Portuguese researcher Joao Canning-Clode stressed the importance of listening to Southern voices, understanding their needs, and learning from them. He called for inclusive engagement across governments, academia, and the private sector.

The Global South holds a pivotal stake in marine biodiversity. Reports highlighted that the Exclusive Economic Zones of Small Island Developing States represent around 30 percent of all oceans and seas. The Southwest Pacific harbors 75 percent of the world's coral species, while countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico collectively possess approximately 47 percent of the world's mangrove forests.

Despite this ecological wealth, these countries often face challenges due to limited funding and outdated technologies. Issues such as insufficient data, shortage of skilled staff, weak regulatory capacity, and overdevelopment of tourism threaten marine ecosystems and sustainable regional development.

Peter Haugan, co-chair of the International Science Council's Expert Group on Ocean, noted that many developing countries depend heavily on tourism for economic growth. He urged a shift to sustainable tourism practices that ensure benefits reach local communities and promote equitable participation in the ocean economy.

Capacity building remains a key priority. Gerardo Jimenez Porras, vice president for Research at the National University of Costa Rica, emphasized the need to train researchers in developing countries, providing them with further academic training, access to global data, and enabling them to work with advanced laboratory equipment.

He underscored that international agreements are essential for securing funding and fostering connections with global research institutions.

PROMOTING COOPERATION FOR GLOBAL MARINE DEVELOPMENT

Julian Barbiere, head of Marine Policy and Regional Coordination at UNESCO, pointed out that countries sharing marine borders often face similar challenges and capacity gaps, particularly in the South Pacific. "Therefore, regional approaches to collaboration and resource sharing are also a way to generate action and respond to their needs," he said.

Aiming for sustainable marine development, experts at the UNOC3 proposed a range of solutions, including equitable dialogue, regional partnership, investment in local capacity, and fair distribution of economic gains.

Emmanuel Baudran, deputy executive director for Sustainable Development at the French Development Agency, emphasized the importance of two-way exchanges rather than one-sided "teaching" models. Investment projects should be based on high-standard feasibility studies that bring returns for both local communities and investors while benefiting the environment as well, he said.

Maria Fernanda Morales Camacho, a scholar at the National University of Costa Rica, underscored the value of multilateralism. "These conferences are great opportunities to connect, to negotiate, to reach different partners," she said, calling for mutual learning and "sharing interests" to shape international cooperation.

The UNOC3 delivered a critical signal that countries from the Global South must not be sidelined in international ocean governance. Turning declarations into actions that benefit Southern countries remains a formidable task, awaiting the test of time. ■