Protecting the ocean: the call made in Nice in 2025 "must continue to resonate" (Monique Barbut)

"We have to learn to live better with the oceans. And this is precisely the call that was made in Nice in 2025 and that must continue to resonate. The operational deployment of the Neptune mission [dedicated to ocean exploration], announced today, will contribute to a better understanding of [its riches] ", said Monique Barbut, Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature, on 08/06/2026.

She was speaking at the opening of the Neptune Forum, organised at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle to mark World Ocean Day. One year after the 3^rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice (UNOC 3), this event is bringing together scientists, explorers, diplomats, leaders, philanthropists, artists and leading international figures for a series of round tables.

Among the "concrete advances" highlighted by the Minister: the entry into force of the BBNJ in January 2026. "89 Parties have now finalised their ratification process. A first dedicated COP will be held in January 2027, to inaugurate a permanent discussion framework for gathering…