VIVAT International marked a significant milestone for faith-based advocacy at the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 9–13, 2025). Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference centered on SDG 14 (“Life Below Water”). Sr. Marides Santos SSpS represented VIVAT, joining a record coalition of religious organizations to champion ocean protection and climate action, showcasing the vital role of spiritual communities in environmental stewardship.
Key Outcomes and Faith-Based Impact
The conference produced the Nice Ocean Action Plan and the “Our Ocean, Our Future” political declaration, which called for actions on marine pollution and sustainable fisheries. VIVAT and its partners, however, pushed for stronger commitments on plastics reduction, deep-sea mining restrictions, and enhanced Indigenous peoples’ governance.
A major highlight was the progress toward the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty (High Seas Treaty). By the conference’s end, 50 countries committed to ratification, bringing the treaty closer to entry into force in 2026.
The faith movement’s presence was impactful, generating two major multi-faith declarations. The “Faith in the Ocean” declaration alone received signatures from over 100 organizations, representing millions of people who affirm that ocean protection is a core tenet of their faith. For VIVAT, this engagement broadened its advocacy focus, fostering new collaborations within the environmental community.
Connecting Ocean Health to Climate Action
A particularly significant outcome was the increased attention on the connection between the ocean and climate issues. Brazil and France declared COP 30 as “the COP for the ocean,” launching a Blue NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) challenge. This alignment perfectly supports VIVAT’s integrated approach to environmental and social justice.
VIVAT also continues to track global efforts toward a plastic treaty and builds on the conference’s momentum by linking SDG 14 (Life Below Water) with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) in subsequent follow-up events, such as the “Tides of Transformation” webinar. This demonstrates the interconnected nature of VIVAT’s water advocacy across different UN mechanisms.
Looking Forward
The momentum from the Nice conference, combined with the expected entry into force of the High Seas Treaty and the focus on ocean issues at COP 30, positions VIVAT International to strengthen its advocacy efforts. VIVAT remains committed to ensuring the voices of the most vulnerable communities are at the forefront of these crucial global conversations about the planet’s future, reinforcing that environmental protection is an integral part of its justice and peace mission.
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