Global Choices continued its advocacy for the often-forgotten frozen ocean at the UN Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice earlier this month. It was a powerful moment—not only to elevate the importance of the cryosphere in ocean dialogues, but also to witness the growing global momentum to protect our shared blue planet.
The headline achievement of the week was reaching 50 ratifications for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement—just 10 short of the threshold needed for this landmark treaty to enter into force, unlocking new protections for the High Seas and the Area. Alongside this milestone, there was a clear sense of urgency echoing through plenaries, Ocean Action panels, and side events.
Global Choices hosted “How Speaking Whale Can Help Protect the Central Arctic Ocean Ice Shield” in the Pavillon de la Cryosphère, in collaboration with Tom Mustill, the Clean Arctic Alliance, Mission Blue, and the Moana Project. Together, we brought to life the ancient wisdom of our cetacean kin and the Indigenous communities who have understood and lived in harmony with this wisdom for generations.
The event took participants on an immersive acoustic journey with bowhead whales navigating changing waters and ship traffic, introduced new findings from Project CETI on sperm whale communication, and shared powerful insights into Māori kinship with whales and the legal personhood campaign in Aotearoa. We also discussed practical steps to reduce underwater noise pollution and reaffirmed the urgent call for a 10-year Moratorium on Exploitative Activity in the Central Arctic Ocean. Listening to marine mammals tells us all we need to know: the time to act is now. The room was packed—standing room only—and we’re deeply grateful to all who joined us on this journey.
We also co-hosted a compelling conversation on ocean law with Youth for Ecocide Law, GARN, World’s Youth for Climate Justice, and the Earth Law Center. This session spotlighted six forward-thinking legal approaches to protecting the ocean, including our proposed 10-year moratorium, and emphasized intergenerational leadership and equity at the heart of ocean governance.
In the Blue Zone, Global Choices submitted a formal statement to the Ocean Action Panel on implementing international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Our message was clear: legal implementation must be precautionary, holistic, and future-fit, with greater coherence across regimes.
It was a full and energizing week at the largest-ever UNOC. Being surrounded by such a passionate, committed community—civil society leaders, grassroots organizers, Indigenous voices, and inspiring youth—was deeply uplifting. The shared energy, collaboration, and ambition left us optimistic. Now, we must work to ensure that momentum and commitments blossom into meaningful, lasting action.
Join us in ensuring the CAO is protected. Make your voice heard. Support a 10-Year Moratorium to protect the Central Arctic Ocean by signing the petition here.
