The One Ocean Science Congress took place in Nice, France in June 2025. The scientific conference proceeded the third UN Ocean Conference happening the following week.
The Science for Ocean Action Manifesto was developed based on scientific advice throughout the conference and launched on the final day to be signed by scientists and passed on to world leaders attending the UNOC conference. It had three main messages:
- Act now where science is clear
- Advance knowledge before irreversible decisions
- Turn knowledge into action, and action into justice
Seven members of the Marine Benthic Science research group from Umeå Marine Science Centre, Umeå University, Sweden attended and presented at the #OOSC25 conference.
In the La Baleine poster session on “Climate-smart and area-based ocean management approaches, including marine protected areas,” my poster was presented entitled “Habitat Suitability Modelling of Blue Carbon Habitats in Southeast Asia.” This included latest results from our work on modelling the present and future distribution of seagrasses and mangroves. More information can be found on the conference proceedings on their website.
Prof. Nick Kamenos made an oral presentation on “Redefining what we consider a ‘blue carbon ecosystem.’ ” in the session on “Nature-based approaches for climate mitigation and adaptation.”
Other highlights include the session on blue carbon, deep sea science, ocean law and governance, Townhall sessions, hearing from dignitaries such as the Princess of Tonga and the nine excellent key note speakers.
On the Thursday evening, history was made in a two and a half hour oceanic art-science collaborative opera at the Nice Opera House. Not only was the scientific message of the conference conveyed through music and speech, the boundaries between art and science were ambitiously shattered! On the Friday night, there was a spectacular light show with numerous drones lighting up the skies of Nice making the conference an influential one to remember. Its legacy will be decided at the UN Ocean conference happening this week, where already over 18 countries have ratified the High Seas treaty.
Dr. Siddhi Joshi 