Did France and Brazil Just Launch a Major Ocean Climate Initiative?

Nice (France), June 10 (NationPress) On the inaugural day of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), France and Brazil have initiated a groundbreaking global effort aimed at significantly enhancing ocean-centric climate initiatives.

The Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge urges all nations to prioritize the ocean in their climate strategies ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which Brazil will host this November.

In addition to Brazil and France, an initial coalition of eight countries—including Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, and Seychelles—have already pledged to incorporate ocean considerations into their revised climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

These commitments are crucial to each nation's endeavor to cut emissions and maintain global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius, while also fostering resilience, and reflect a robust political commitment under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Launched on Monday, the Blue NDC Challenge builds on the momentum of this year as nations prepare to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. This initiative highlights the urgent necessity to acknowledge the ocean's pivotal role as a crucial ally in combating the climate crisis.

The initiative enjoys support from the Ocean Conservancy, the Ocean and Climate Platform, and the World Resources Institute through the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance (ORCA), and has received the endorsement of WWF-Brazil.

Brazil, in addition to its vast forests, is also an oceanic nation, with 40% of its territory submerged, hosting marine ecosystems of global importance—including the only coral reefs in the South Atlantic and the largest contiguous mangrove belt in the world along the Amazon coastline.

These ecosystems are essential for both climate adaptation and mitigation, acting as natural shields against extreme weather and contributing to carbon sequestration.

“For Brazil, the Blue NDC Challenge is a crucial opportunity to enhance ocean-related climate action and emphasize the significant role of ocean-based solutions in meeting emission reduction goals. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration on ocean climate initiatives as we approach COP30, highlighting the need for all nations to fully incorporate the ocean within their national climate frameworks,” stated Marina Silva, Brazil's Minister for the Environment and Climate Change.

“In its recently updated NDC, Brazil has for the first time explicitly included ocean-related climate actions, acknowledging the ocean's vital function in climate management. This encompasses the implementation of national Marine Spatial Planning, improvements in coastal zone management, and the establishment of conservation and restoration programs for mangroves and coral reefs,” she pointed out.

Countries participating in the Blue NDC Challenge commit to intensifying their emission reduction efforts and enhancing resilience through ocean-based strategies, while delivering mutual benefits for both nature and humanity.

Under the guidance of the governments of Brazil and France, eight pioneering countries from around the globe have pledged to incorporate ocean initiatives into their national climate strategies.

“Ultimately, industrial marine sectors and natural ecosystems remain underutilized resources for tackling climate change and other development challenges. As world leaders convene in Nice and prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30), they can draw inspiration from the Seychelles in championing ocean-focused climate action,” remarked Wavel Ramkalawan, the President of the Seychelles.

“We are excited to join the Blue NDC Challenge and collaborate with Brazil, the host of COP30, as well as France, Fiji, Seychelles, Mexico, and Palau to emphasize the ocean's critical role in global climate change efforts,” stated Senator Murray Watt, Australia's Environment Minister.

(Vishal Gulati can be reached at vishal.g@ians.in)