Prince Albert II Emphasizes Urgency of Ocean Protection at UN Conference
At the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, Prince Albert II calls for a regulatory framework to guide deep-sea mining and highlights the need for immediate action against marine threats.
Prince Albert II of Monaco addressed the General Debate at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice on June 9, 2025, emphasizing the critical state of the oceans and the need for urgent action.
The prince highlighted that the oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are facing increasing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution since the last conference in Lisbon in 2022. He reiterated that collective action underpinned by multilateralism is essential for addressing these global challenges.
One of Prince Albert II’s key focuses is the BBNJ Agreement, finalized in June 2023, which aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Monaco was the first European nation to ratify this agreement, signaling its commitment to marine conservation.
The prince stressed the urgent need to implement the actions outlined in the BBNJ Agreement, notably the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters.
He stated that achieving the goal of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 remains distant, particularly in areas such as the Mediterranean.
Addressing additional concerns, Prince Albert II cited hazards such as ocean acidification, melting ice, and rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities.
He called for scientific data to guide decision-making in marine resource management, advocating for an informed approach to safeguard marine ecosystems, which are still poorly understood.
On the topic of deep-sea mining, now a focal point following recent U.S. moves to expand marine extraction, he invoked the 'precautionary principle,' emphasizing that any deep-sea mining should occur within a robust regulatory framework guided by reliable scientific data and overseen by the International Seabed Authority.
The prince also expressed support for creating an International Platform for Ocean Sustainability within the UNESCO framework.
In addition, Prince Albert highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy, referencing discussions from the Blue Economy and Finance Forum held prior to the UNOC.
He stated that a sustainable economic approach to marine resources is fundamental for translating ambitions into concrete actions to save the oceans.
The UNOC is gathering global leaders and stakeholders in ocean conservation, with heightened attention on both the environmental crises faced by the oceans and the urgent need for governance that can adapt to ongoing transformations.
This conference serves as a platform for nations to align strategies and commitments for ocean protection and sustainability.
The prince highlighted that the oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are facing increasing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution since the last conference in Lisbon in 2022. He reiterated that collective action underpinned by multilateralism is essential for addressing these global challenges.
One of Prince Albert II’s key focuses is the BBNJ Agreement, finalized in June 2023, which aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Monaco was the first European nation to ratify this agreement, signaling its commitment to marine conservation.
The prince stressed the urgent need to implement the actions outlined in the BBNJ Agreement, notably the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters.
He stated that achieving the goal of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 remains distant, particularly in areas such as the Mediterranean.
Addressing additional concerns, Prince Albert II cited hazards such as ocean acidification, melting ice, and rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities.
He called for scientific data to guide decision-making in marine resource management, advocating for an informed approach to safeguard marine ecosystems, which are still poorly understood.
On the topic of deep-sea mining, now a focal point following recent U.S. moves to expand marine extraction, he invoked the 'precautionary principle,' emphasizing that any deep-sea mining should occur within a robust regulatory framework guided by reliable scientific data and overseen by the International Seabed Authority.
The prince also expressed support for creating an International Platform for Ocean Sustainability within the UNESCO framework.
In addition, Prince Albert highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy, referencing discussions from the Blue Economy and Finance Forum held prior to the UNOC.
He stated that a sustainable economic approach to marine resources is fundamental for translating ambitions into concrete actions to save the oceans.
The UNOC is gathering global leaders and stakeholders in ocean conservation, with heightened attention on both the environmental crises faced by the oceans and the urgent need for governance that can adapt to ongoing transformations.
This conference serves as a platform for nations to align strategies and commitments for ocean protection and sustainability.
