NatureXpairs at UNOC3: strengthening bridges for effective ocean conservation

The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice in June 2025, was a key moment for renewing the collective commitment to protecting the seas. For NatureXpairs, this week was an opportunity to amplify the voices of marine protected area managers and highlight the importance of regional cooperation.

In a context of growing international momentum around the objectives of the global biodiversity framework, particularly the 30×30 target, NatureXpairs emphasized the essential role of multi-stakeholder and transregional partnerships. Through several events co-organized with its partners, notably the Conservatoire du littoral and the French Office for Biodiversity, NatureXpairs was able to present concrete actions carried out in different regions of the world.

In the Indian Ocean, the Varuna Biodiversity_AMP project, coordinated by Réserves naturelles de France and co-led with the French Office for Biodiversity, illustrates this ambition. It supports MPA managers through targeted training, tailor-made tools, and support for regional networks such as WIOMPAN. In the Greater Caribbean, a new project under development with SPAW-RAC is directly inspired by Varuna’s successes to strengthen the capacities of actors in the field and promote interregional exchanges.

During the side event organized by NatureXpairs, entitled “Building Bridges for Ocean Conservation,” high-level representatives from France, Mexico, South Africa, and the Comoros shared their experiences, demonstrating that cooperation is an essential lever for ambitious and inclusive marine conservation.

Finally, NatureXpairs emphasized that marine protected area managers, who are often absent from these major conferences, are at the heart of conservation efforts. Thanks to microfinance and tailored training, these actors on the ground have the concrete means to protect the ocean where it matters most: on the ground.

As the momentum built in Nice continues, NatureXpairs reaffirms its commitment to building bridges between regions and networks, supporting local initiatives, and supporting managers on the ground for effective and resilient marine protected areas.

Discover the testimonials of managers from the southwestern Indian Ocean on the Varuna_AMP project.