### The third United Nations Conference on the Ocean in Nice: Towards inclusive marine governance
This morning, the port of Nice hosts the third United Nations Conference on the Ocean, bringing together performances of more than 120 countries, a notable opportunity to approach the crucial issues linked to our oceans. Co-prescribed by France and Costa Rica, this conference highlights the strategic importance of the oceans for humanity and for the sustainable development of nations, especially those of Africa.
#### A call for ocean protection
The leaders present have stressed how the oceans play a vital role in the regulation of the climate, a particularly poignant subject in the context of global warming and its visible consequences on marine biodiversity and the erosion of the coasts. Abderhammane Sissako, a Mauritanian director, has forcefully expressed the sufferings of the communities that depend on the sea for their subsistence. His words, like a cry of the heart, recall that a large part of the world’s population depends directly on maritime resources. This reality raises an essential question: how to guarantee the sustainability of these resources in the face of threats to them?
The statements of political figures, such as those of the Burundian President Evarist Ndayishimiye, were articulated around the idea that the preservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of fisheries are essential. Illegal fishing, but above all the unequal distribution of maritime resources, are issues that require concerted initiatives.
### The importance of cooperation
President Ndayishimiye, representing the group of African States, called for scientific cooperation and an essential technology transfer to succeed in ambitious objectives such as the initiative “30×30”, aimed at protecting 30% of sea zones by 2030. This ambitious project, although it is welcomed with a certain optimism, raises practical questions: how to ensure that the commitments made during this conference on the ground? What type of financial and technical support will be offered to developing countries, often the most affected by maritime damage, but also the most dependent on fishery resources?
Indeed, access to the sea for countries without coastline, like Burundi, raises an issue of equity and social justice. How can international mechanisms guarantee access to essential resources for these states? This question poses an urgent challenge to the international community to set up executives that are truly inclusive and fair.
#### Financing issues
Another critical point mentioned at this conference concerns the financing of sustainable development objectives relating to the oceans, which are among the least well funded from the UN agencies. In order to catalyze the necessary efforts, you have to think about innovative solutions to mobilize financial resources. How can rich countries more effectively support developing countries in the implementation of marine protection programs? This implies not only a financial commitment, but also a logic of knowledge transfer and skills.
#### A voice for the future
The speech delivered by President Macron on the fight against illegal fishing and the need to protect maritime resources has strengthened this idea that each country, whether coastal or not, has a role to play. The paradigm change towards a collaborative approach is essential in the fight for the preservation of the oceans, which have implications not only for the environment but also for the economic and social stability of the nations, especially those which are in vulnerable situations.
#### Conclusion
While the third United Nations Conference on the Ocean continues, discussions in Nice could potentially open new paths for fairer and lasting marine governance at the service of the planet and its inhabitants. It remains to be hoped that the promises made here will be translated into concrete actions, bringing real changes for future generations. The oceans, as a source of life and cohesion, should not only be preserved, but also celebrated, with an entire global commitment for their protection. This conference could very well be a decisive turning point in the way we conceive our relationship with the ocean.