Maritime event of the year: Andry Rajoelina at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

A Major International Mobilization for Ocean Protection in Nice: Andry Rajoelina’s Role at the 2025 UN Conference

In June 2025, the city of Nice became a veritable hub of environmental diplomacy, hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3). This global event brought together heads of state, experts, NGO representatives, and economic stakeholders to discuss crucial issues related to the protection of marine environments. Among the key speakers, the presence of Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, reinforced the international resonance of this initiative. The issue of major challenges facing our oceans, such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and biodiversity loss, has never been more central to the global agenda. The conference established a sustained partnership, mobilizing various nations around a shared project dedicated to sustainable development, marine protection, and responsible resource management. Andry Rajoelina’s participation illustrates Madagascar’s desire to weigh in on the debates by highlighting its vulnerability to ocean issues. This intervention is part of a collective awareness that requires strengthening international governance of maritime spaces, in a context where the state of the ocean directly influences global ecological and economic stability.

The fundamental challenges of the Nice conference: preserving the marine ecosystem in the face of global threats

The Nice conference in 2025 is part of a drive to accelerate global awareness of the critical state of the oceans. Among the topics discussed, the fight against plastic pollution takes center stage. The scale of the crisis is such that every minute, approximately one truckload of plastic waste is dumped into the seas, destroying fragile habitats and threatening biodiversity. Overfishing, meanwhile, leads to ecological imbalances, undermining the sustainability of stocks and compromising global food security. The degradation of coral reefs and wetlands, as well as rising sea levels linked to climate change, represent immediate challenges to be addressed. The conference established a set of shared priorities:

• Implement stricter international regulations to limit industrial fishing 🚢
• Promote technological innovations to monitor and preserve ocean health 🌐
• Support multilateral cooperation in sustainable maritime management 🤝
• Encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions impacting water temperatures 🌡️
• Unite all stakeholders around a collective effort to repair and safeguard the marine ecological crisis 🌊

The need for coordination between nations is evident to prevent the escalation of destructive human activities, in favor of an approach based on resilience and accountability.

Andry Rajoelina’s role in Nice: embodying Madagascar’s voice in the fight for marine protection

During this historic conference, the Malagasy president strongly emphasized the urgency of strengthening ocean protection, particularly in the context of the Indian Ocean region, which is particularly vulnerable to global challenges. Madagascar, with its more than 5,600 kilometers of coastline, holds a key responsibility in safeguarding marine biodiversity. During his speech, Andry Rajoelina not only addressed local challenges, but also framed his message within an international framework by advocating for a strengthened partnership, uniting the global community around a shared commitment to marine ecology. Among the key points, he emphasized:

• The need to create marine protected areas, managed at the community and international levels 🛡️
• Strengthened cooperation to combat illegal trafficking, particularly of protected species 🐠
• The development of sustainable blue economies, combining conservation and economic growth 🌿
• Multilateral solidarity to finance protection programs, especially in high-risk areas 💰
• Knowledge sharing and local training to ensure autonomous and responsible management of marine resources 📚

His speech highlighted deep concern, but also a firm desire for transformation and international solidarity. Through his words, Madagascar presents itself as a responsible actor, ready to actively contribute to the resilience of the world’s oceans.

Key players: a global synergy for marine governance

The success of this conference depends on concrete synergy between various actors. The international community, notably represented by the UN, plays a catalytic role in the implementation of agreements and common policies. National governments, particularly those of countries heavily dependent on marine resources, must commit to high standards of sustainable management. Private companies, particularly those in the maritime and fishing sectors, have a key role in reducing harmful impacts by adopting responsible practices. Civil society organizations and NGOs, such as Nausicaa, play a vital role in raising awareness and evaluating policies. Finally, scientific research must inform decision-making with solid data, enabling us to anticipate developments and plan effective strategies. Building a balanced partnership is essential to address this global crisis, which affects all continents and all nations. Concrete ecological initiatives promoted at the conference: Towards a sustainable maritime futureThe conference enabled the validation of several concrete initiatives, illustrating a firm commitment to action for marine ecology. Among these, the creation of “marine protected areas” where fishing and exploitation are strictly regulated was a highlight. The establishment of an international financing fund for developing countries to promote innovative solutions adapted to local contexts was also approved. On the technological front, several pilot projects using artificial intelligence for ocean surveillance were presented, promising to strengthen the capacity to prevent violations and better understand marine dynamics. Awareness-raising campaigns will also be deployed to mobilize youth and local communities. Cooperation between businesses, universities, and governments will be strengthened to accelerate the transition to a responsible blue economy. These commitments illustrate a new stage in the global fight against the degradation of the marine environment, combining scientific advances and civic engagement.

Future prospects: building inclusive and effective global maritime governance

Ultimately, the Nice conference in 2025 is only a milestone in a process that must continue. The vision of a global future relies on more integrated maritime governance, equipped with effective legislative and technological tools, capable of responding to crises in advance. The need to expand international partnerships to all stakeholders, including the private, academic, and local sectors, is becoming crucial. The implementation of innovative financial mechanisms, such as pollution taxes or ocean-specific carbon credits, could finance restoration and conservation projects. The active participation of younger generations must also be encouraged for sustainable engagement. Rising climate and geopolitical challenges require the adoption of flexible strategies capable of rapidly adapting policies in the face of global change. Collective mobilization promotes responsible management, while respecting the ocean ecosystem, to ensure a viable future for all forms of marine life. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the UN Conference in Nice in 2025 and Ocean Protection

What is the main objective of the Nice Ocean Conference?

Answer: To strengthen international cooperation to preserve the marine ecosystem, combat pollution, and promote sustainable development based on the blue economy.

Which stakeholders are primarily involved in this conference?

1. Answer: Heads of state, NGO representatives, scientists, maritime sector companies, and marine ecology experts.
   What are the priority issues discussed in Nice in 2025?
2. Answer: Reducing plastic pollution, sustainable management of fisheries resources, combating climate change, and creating protected areas.
   How is Madagascar participating in this global dynamic?
3. Answer: Through strong intervention by its president, aimed at strengthening marine sovereignty, promoting regional partnerships, and mobilizing funding for the protection of its marine resources.
   
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