As the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) prepares to open in Nice, France, we reach a pivotal milestone in the journey of Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean. What began as a symbolic name — a nod to the host city — has become a growing global movement to rethink our relationship with the ocean and push for bold, systemic change to protect it.
In a world facing cascading environmental crises, the Nice Conference is THE moment to reclaim the narrative around ocean governance — one where civil society leads, challenges outdated assumptions, and shifts the burden from defenders of nature to those who exploit it.
We’re proud to be part of this collective turning point by organising and contributing to key events that advance ocean protection, amplify civil society voices, and put forward real, implementable solutions.
Seats are limited and registration is mandatory due to venue access protocols.
8 June – World Ocean Day
The Future is Now: Let’s Dive into an Ocean of Possibilities
14:15–15:30 | Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen
Co-organised by the Ocean & Climate Platform and The Varda Group
On the eve of the conference, we’ll gather with leaders, philanthropists, ocean advocates, and citizens from across the world to set the tone: optimism, urgency, and innovation.
This high-level event will spotlight two initiatives — Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean and An Ocean of Possibilities — as beacons of what civil society can contribute to global ocean governance.
By highlighting outside-the-box thinking and grassroots leadership, we hope to ignite a sense of hope and agency among participants: not only is a different present and future for the ocean possible — it’s already being built.
Registration required by 1 June. Fill out the registration form to secure your spot.
9 June – Official Launch: Protection Principle Task Force
Presentation of the Protection Principle Task Force
18:30–20:30 | Villa Arson
In the beautiful setting of Villa Arson, we will officially launch the Protection Principle Task Force — a bold, independent initiative designed to reframe the logic of ocean governance.
The Protection Principle builds on the Precautionary Principle, but takes it further. Its core idea is simple yet powerful: those who seek to exploit the ocean — for extraction, pollution, or other disruptive uses — must prove their actions are not harmful. The burden of proof should no longer fall on ocean advocates.
This evening reception will bring together policymakers, philanthropists, scientists, ocean and environmental lawyers and advocates, artists, and activists to support a shift that could redefine how humanity interacts with the ocean — not as a resource to extract, but as a common heritage to protect.
Featuring:
- Teresa Ribera (Executive VP for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, European Commission, via video)
- Maisa Rojas (Minister of Environment, Chile)
- Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza (Chair, TBA21)
- Dona Bertarelli (Executive Chair, Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy)
- Romain Troublé (CEO, Fondation Tara Océan)
- Rémi Parmentier (Coordinator, Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean)
Reception to follow.
RSVP to request participation (by 1 June): letsbenicetotheocean[at]gmail.com.
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
10 June – UNOC3 Mediterranean Day
Civil Society Envisioning Mediterranean Action in the Future
16:30–17:20 | Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen
This segment —co-organised by the Ocean & Climate Platform and The Varda Group — invites a radically participatory approach to Mediterranean governance. Framed as an intergenerational and interregional dialogue, the session features a live audience survey, youth and elder perspectives, and successful examples of community-driven conservation.
As climate pressures and unsustainable practices mount in the Mediterranean, the need for inclusive, enforceable, and ambitious protection policies becomes clearer by the day. This session gives voice to those often left out of high-level negotiations — proving once again that civil society is not a side player, but a key driver of change.
Access the full programme here (in French).
11 June – Ocean Base Camp Pavilion
Cards on the Table
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Ocean Base Camp Pavilion, The Whale (Green Zone)
Hosted by the Ocean & Climate Platform
This closing event brings something different: not consensus, but confrontation — of ideas, not people. “Cards on the Table” is a live, fireside-style conversation tackling unresolved or avoided questions about the future of the ocean in the face of climate change, biodiversity collapse, and financial strain.
Instead of scripted statements, this session invites real dialogue across science, policy, civil society, and the private sector. Each segment begins with a sharp question — from ocean governance and carbon credits to the role of big finance and new technologies — and sparks rotating, no-fluff responses from invited speakers.
By design, this format encourages openness and honesty over diplomacy. It’s about naming tensions, exploring contradictions, and discovering new common ground.
We’re proud to stand with partners, co-organisers, and allies across sectors to help ensure that UNOC3 becomes not just a forum for ambition, but a springboard for action.
Join us in turning ambition into action. The time is now, not tomorrow.
