First ever UN ‘Ocean COP’ on course for 2026 as governments double down on commitments

World governments at the UN Ocean Treaty’s first meeting since it opened for signatures in 2023 have committed to a programme consistent with ratification in 2025 and an ambitious first Ocean Treaty COP (Conference of Parties) in 2026.[1]

Chile, the first of the seven countries to have already ratified the historic Treaty, also made explicit reference for the first time to a vast new high seas Marine Protected Area using the Treaty in the South Pacific.[2] 

Meg Randles, leading Greenpeace’s delegation to the talks at the UN headquarters in New York, said: “The positive conclusion of this meeting sends a clear signal that the ambitious target of ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty in 2025 is on course. While nothing is confirmed until at least 60 countries have deposited their ratifications, the programme of work agreed this week sets up a first Ocean Conference of Parties in 2026. This will be vital to keeping the target of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 alive. The hard work in capitals must now continue so ratification can be completed urgently and more High Seas ocean sanctuary proposals can be developed.”

So far seven countries have ratified the Global Ocean Treaty: Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia. Earlier this month, France and the USA declared support for the entry into force of the Treaty before the next UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June 2025. 

Notes:

1. https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/67996/governments-to-meet-at-un-to-discuss-first-ever-ocean-cop

2. https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/64768/chile-first-nation-ratify-un-ocean-treaty