The Twenty-fourth Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans was held in the framework of the Third UN Oceans Conference (UNOC-3), at the kind invitation of the Government of France, on 11th June 2025 in Nice, France.
Objectives
The main objective of the meeting was to review and approve the updated Regional Seas Strategic Directions (RSSD 2026–2029) as a collaborative global platform to support the effective delivery of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs) in the new momentum created at global, regional and national levels for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), and other global relevant commitments at UNOC-3.
The meeting was held at a time when the new UNEP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026–2029 is under preparation. This creates another momentum to maximize synergies and interactions for strengthening the global Regional Seas Programme, implementation of UNEA Resolution 6/15 and contribution to address the triple planetary crisis, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
The meeting provided opportunities for exchange of views and strengthening partnerships to deliver an enhanced ocean governance agenda. In this respect, a joint session of Regional Seas and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) was organized under the Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) Global Dialogue together with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Outcomes
✅ The Regional Seas Strategic Directions (2026–2029) was approved
✅ An official statement by the RSCAPs coordinators and executive secretaries was endorsed and submitted to the UNOC3 - Ocean Action Panel 8: Promoting and supporting all forms of cooperation, especially at the regional and sub regional level
✅ Practical strategies were identified to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources, enabling Member States’ effective implementation
After the Regional Seas Programme meeting, three new UN World Restoration Flagships were awarded. They celebrate the most inspiring, ambitious and successful large-scale restoration efforts. All three winners are working in the context of the Regional Seas Programme.
Background
The UNEP Regional Seas Programme (RSP) was launched in 1974 in the wake of the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. It remains one of UNEP’s most significant achievements and operates in 18 regions, with most regions adopting a regional action plan underpinned by a legal framework in the form of a regional convention with associated protocols on specific issues. Commonly, they are referred to as Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAP). UNEP provides overall coordination and facilitation and in so doing connects the programme to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
The Global Meetings of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans organized by UNEP is a coordination mechanism of the eighteen (18) regional seas conventions and action plans. This meeting provides a platform for adoption of global strategies for cooperation, channelling UNEP programmatic support to the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, particularly in areas complementary to the UNEP Programme of Work and strengthening linkages between the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans and other relevant global conventions and agreements.
The 24th global meeting of the Regional Seas Programme builds on the outcomes of the 23rd global meeting held from 20-24th November 2023 hosted by the Government of Barbados in collaboration with the Cartagena Convention Secretariat.
Participants
All 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action plans (RSCAPs) and Representatives of global MEAs, partners and UNEP staff.
For more information, please contact
Regional Seas Programme: regionalseas[a]un.org
