In June 2025, the global ocean community gathered along the southern coast of France for a pivotal moment in ocean advocacy and action. Three landmark events—the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, and the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)—offered an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of ocean governance. Among the thousands attending were more than 20 Edinburgh Ocean Leaders, present and contributing across all three events.
Science-Driven Solutions
The journey began in Nice at the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), which welcomed over 2,000 participants from 113 countries under a shared goal: bridging science, society, and policy to enable evidence-based action for ocean health.
Edinburgh Ocean Leaders played active roles throughout the congress, speaking at sessions and moderating town halls. One example came from Edinburgh Ocean Leader João Canning-Clode, researcher at MARE and director of MARE-Madeira, who delivered the talk “Building Blue Futures.” In his presentation, he shared a vision for the Blue Skills Academy, a training space in Madeira where young people can acquire skills for careers that positively impact the ocean. The programme aims to strengthen knowledge exchange between Madeira, other islands, Africa, and regions of the Global South—fostering a community connected to the ocean and its potential to inspire art, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.
Edinburgh Ocean Leaders played active roles throughout the congress, speaking at sessions and moderating town halls. One example came from Edinburgh Ocean Leader João Canning-Clode, researcher at MARE and director of MARE-Madeira, who delivered the talk “Building Blue Futures.” In his presentation, he shared a vision for the Blue Skills Academy, a training space in Madeira where young people can acquire skills for careers that positively impact the ocean. The programme aims to strengthen knowledge exchange between Madeira, other islands, Africa, and regions of the Global South—fostering a community connected to the ocean and its potential to inspire art, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.
A key moment of the OOSC came with the collective signing by the scientific community of a call to governments urging UNOC3 to become a conference of action.
The call demanded an immediate response, based on scientific evidence, equity, and shared responsibility, built on three pillars:
Act now where science is clear: end fossil fuel subsidies, protect at least 30% of the ocean, and eliminate illegal fishing;
Advance knowledge before taking irreversible steps: pause high-risk interventions lacking sufficient evidence, increase investment in ocean science and observation, and support a regenerative, science-based blue economy;
Turn knowledge into action and action into justice: integrate ocean literacy into education, promote inclusive governance, and support local leadership, with full transparency and a precautionary approach.
The congress culminated in the release of 10 key recommendations for UNOC3 delegates to place ocean science at the heart of sustainable governance.
Financing the Future
From the OOSC, attention turned to Monaco, where the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) brought together 1,800 participants from nearly 100 countries. Hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation—a foundational partner of Edinburgh Ocean Leaders—the forum explored how finance can unlock ocean conservation at scale.
“One highlight for me was presenting alongside our portfolio company, Coast4C, at the Earthshot Prize’s co-pitch session... Ten start-ups and their investors pitched jointly to over 350 financiers—driving real-world deal momentum.”
The forum catalysed tangible commitments and laid out a long-term vision for a sustainable ocean economy. New pledges included €4.7 billion from philanthropists and private investors, and €4 billion from public financial institutions representing a significant leap forward in blue finance.
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference
The fortnight culminated back in Nice at UNOC3, where more than 10,000 delegates, including 64 Heads of State, gathered to chart a new course for global ocean governance.
UNOC3 was split between two zones: the Blue Zone, a secure space for accredited participants to host negotiations and high-level events; and the Green Zone, known as La Baleine (“The Whale”), a public arena featuring exhibitions, talks, and cultural programming to engage broader communities in ocean protection.
A highlight of the week was World Ocean Day, marked by the event “The Future Is Now: Let’s Dive into an Ocean of Possibilities.” where several Ocean Leaders were panellists. It featured updates on two major initiatives: An Ocean of Possibilities, which included a global consultation hosted by Edinburgh Ocean Leaders in April; and Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean, both launched under the mandate given to Edinburgh Ocean Leader Loreley Picourt (Ocean & Climate Platform) and Rémi Parmentier (The Varda Group) as co-chairs of civil society engagement in the conference.
This event also saw the launch of Our Blue Future—a unified call by over 100 ocean leaders for transformative action to secure a just, healthy, and resilient future for the ocean and all life it sustains.
Ocean Leaders were a constant presence—organizing events, taking the stage, and shaping conversations behind the scenes:
“Organizing the side event ‘How Is Civil Society Contributing to Ocean Protection in China and Beyond’ with fellow NGOs working in China at La Baleine was very meaningful. I shared updates on China’s latest fishery management reforms, and given the limited global understanding of China’s marine initiatives, it was a rare chance for industry stakeholders and leading experts to learn more about the country’s on-the-ground progress and unique challenges.”
“ At UNOC3 I had the opportunity to speak to channels such as BBC, Franc 24 and FRI. It was an opportunity to raise awareness about ocean issues facing West Africa such as the impact of fish meal factories and to bring those issues to global platforms"
“At UNOC, we introduced the concept of the One Ocean Partnership—a global initiative to connect areas of the ocean through regenerative seascapes. Through this event, which included politicians, scientists, and community representatives, we were able to create discussion and lay the groundwork for its next steps.”
Moments of Connection
Beyond plenaries and negotiations, Edinburgh Ocean Leaders carved out space for connection.
Together with partners SeaVoice, EOL hosted a morning swim on the beach in Nice—an intentionally agenda-free gathering designed to offer a pause in participants’ packed schedules. Around 30 people joined the event, which included no formal speaking, no panel, and no pressure—just the ocean, the sunrise, and the chance to connect with the ocean community before the intensity of the conference day began.
Together with partners SeaVoice, EOL hosted a morning swim on the beach in Nice—an intentionally agenda-free gathering designed to offer a pause in participants’ packed schedules. Around 30 people joined the event, which included no formal speaking, no panel, and no pressure—just the ocean, the sunrise, and the chance to connect with the ocean community before the intensity of the conference day began.
We also hosted an Edinburgh Ocean Leaders dinner—a lively evening event in Nice that brought together not only current Ocean Leaders but friends and allies of the programme. The atmosphere was relaxed and energetic, as conversations flowed and ideas were exchanged late into the night. It was a clear reminder of the Edinburgh Ocean Leaders’ collective strength, unity, and global reach—grounded in relationships, purpose and a shared commitment to the ocean.
