UN Ocean Conference 2025

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The marine ecosystem faces complex challenges that transcend political borders, requiring a collaborative approach, at an ecologically relevant scale, for its protection and restoration. This side event will showcase how Baltic Sea nations have come together to transform their commitment to accelerating marine protection efforts into concrete action.  

By joining forces to develop a truly transboundary, data-driven, ecosystem based, and holistic approach—addressing every aspect of the protection process. The region is taking the initiative to ensure that not only can the 30% spatial protection target be achieved but that it can be done in a strategic way that optimizes the potential of both existing and new areas, and one that strengthens cooperation and ensures lasting impact. 

Aligning with the UN Ocean Decade’s theme of Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean, the event will look at the why, what, and how behind developing a joint regional protection optimization framework. It will highlight that regional cooperation, a commitment to looking beyond targets, and a determination to drive transformative change can foster stronger, more effective marine spatial protection efforts in one of the world’s most impacted seas.  

Representatives from key institutions, policymakers, civil society and conservation practitioners will be invited to share their views on the initiative and their experiences in, and expectations of, this unparalleled endeavor to enhance marine biodiversity protection on a sea-basin scale. 

As an interactive element, the audience will be invited to collectively identify key components for improvement for effective marine protection. This participatory approach will foster engagement and dialogue, reinforcing the importance of joint decision making in ocean governance. 

Drawing on lessons from the Baltic, the session will provide valuable insights into how cooperative frameworks, data-driven decision making, and shared governance strategies can be applied to other regional seas. It will emphasize the role of science-policy integration, community engagement, and adaptive management in achieving SDG 14 targets. 

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event strives to contribute to the global dialogue on ocean protection, underscoring that safeguarding our shared seas is a collective responsibility—one that requires innovative, cross-border solutions rooted in cooperation and trust.