Scientific Services

At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, global ocean stakeholders came together to discuss urgent marine challenges. Representing South African National Parks (SANParks), I had the honour of contributing to three official side events focused on marine governance, international cooperation, and ocean innovation.

Sinothando Shibe of the CRC Marine Team with the French Biodiversity Agency team at the United Nations Ocean Conference.

The first event, Marine Protected Areas: Success Stories in Governance, was Co-hosted by the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This session highlighted the importance of effective governance structures for effective MPA management. I shared SANParks’ use of the Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM) framework and the role of zonation in balancing conservation and sustainable use in South Africa’s MPAs.

Sinothando Shibe of the CRC Marine Team presenting on the interplay of MPA governance and management at the United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France. This panel represented 5 countries.

The second event, Building Bridges: The Power of Cooperation, showcased international collaboration in marine conservation. I presented the SANParks–OFB partnership as a model for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint research on MPA management and policy.

At the third event, OceanQuest, a new Saudi Arabian initiative promoting deep-sea science, was launched with high recognition. I reflected on our recent experience aboard the OceanXplorer during the Around Africa Expedition, showcasing how technology and communication can ignite public support and influence policy.

I also participated in the Marine Education Areas Training, where school learners manage coastal zones, and the Sub-Antarctic Regional Cooperation workshop, which advanced proposals for a High Seas MPA and strengthened ties between countries with sub-Antarctic territories.

During this week, some major announcements were made and these were as follows:

1. UNOC amplified support for the new Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty and has added momentum to the High Seas Treaty. Several nations pledged to ratify and implement it, including South Africa, laying the groundwork for legally protected areas on the high seas.
2. Countries and philanthropies announced over $4.2 billion in new funding to support marine conservation, blue economies, and climate-resilient fisheries.
3. Over 70 countries reaffirmed commitments to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, with new MPAs declared or proposed, including transboundary sites and deep-sea reserves.
4. UNOC 2025 saw formal inclusion of youth and Indigenous representatives in high-level dialogues, recognizing their knowledge and leadership in marine stewardship.

UNOC 2025 made clear that ocean protection is a shared human responsibility. From local education efforts to global treaties, we must embrace adaptive, cooperative, and inclusive approaches to secure the future of our ocean.