UNOC and the EU’s Road to 2030: Protecting and Restoring Ocean Health
The EU has pledged to tackle the challenges of ecosystem loss, species decline and climate disruption. A framework for change has been set in motion through the adoption of two key initiatives. First, the EU Biodiversity Strategy has an ambitious goal to protect at least 30% of marine areas, including 10% under strict protection. Second, the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) aims to restore 20% of degraded sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems needing restoration by 2050. These initiatives represent a pivotal opportunity to protect Europe’s marine ecosystems, food sovereignty and human lives as the ocean supplies the air we breathe. These EU ambitions are directly aligned with the objectives of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) and Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As the global community prepares for the 2025 UNOC in Nice, the EU has a chance to lead by example in delivering tangible outcomes for marine protection and restoration.
In preparation for UNOC, WWF EPO will publish an assessment of EU Member States' progress to 30x30 marine protection by 2030, identifying critical gaps and opportunities in terms of the designation and effectiveness in MPA management, offering a clear pathway for newly elected policymakers to drive meaningful improvements.
We invite you to join MEPs Sebastian Everding and André Rodrigues, along with a broad range of stakeholders from the Commission and industry, at WWF’s launch of these reports for a focused dialogue on ocean restoration and protection. Together, we will explore findings, share ideas, and chart a constructive path forward for the EU’s contribution to global ocean action at UNOC and beyond.
Please note that the conference will be in English without interpretation or translation.
