A decade of progress sees major financial commitments and marine protections, yet urgent action is needed to meet the High Seas Treaty and 30×30 targets by 2030.
The Our Ocean Conference (OOC) has marked a major milestone in global marine conservation efforts, with a new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) revealing that the conference has helped mobilize $133 billion in ocean action funding over the past decade. However, experts warn that despite this progress, critical global goals remain at risk without greater international ambition.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the OOC has emerged as a powerful global platform, driving over 2,600 commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society organizations focused on protecting ocean ecosystems, advancing sustainable blue economies, and promoting climate resilience.
According to WRI’s report, around $160 billion in pledges have been made through OOC since 2014. Of these, 43% are complete, 38% are in progress, and 18% have yet to begin. A substantial portion—$86.8 billion—has been directed toward ocean-climate solutions, including offshore wind, green shipping, and blue carbon initiatives.
Despite this momentum, the report emphasizes the pressing need for action to meet the High Seas Treaty and the 30×30 target, which aims to conserve 30% of the world’s oceans and land by 2030. Currently, only 21 countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty. Sixty ratifications are required for the agreement to take effect, a goal the international community hopes to reach by the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.
WRI also highlights that 42% of the world’s marine protected areas (MPAs)—covering 8.5 million square kilometers, roughly the size of Brazil—can be traced back to commitments made at OOC events.
Ocean experts stress the importance of integrating ocean-based solutions into global climate finance strategies. The estimated need for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) stands at $175 billion per year, while the global climate finance target is $1.3 trillion annually.
“The Our Ocean Conference has proven its ability to deliver transformative impact, but the ocean still faces unprecedented pressure from climate change, overfishing, and pollution,” said Dr. Tom Pickerell, Global Director of WRI’s Ocean Program. “Ocean-based solutions can contribute up to 35% of the emissions cuts needed by 2050. It’s time the world fully embraced this potential.“
Echoing this sentiment, Do-hyung Kang, Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, noted: “This year’s conference, themed ‘Our Ocean, Our Action,’ not only reflects on a decade of progress but sets the stage for a stronger decade of global cooperation.“
Meanwhile, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Special Envoy for the Ocean for the Greek Prime Minister, emphasized the alignment between ocean health and sustainable development: “From ecotourism to renewable energy, a thriving ocean is the cornerstone of a thriving future.“
To further enhance OOC’s impact, WRI recommends expanding geographic coverage, improving digital platforms, fostering new partnerships, and ensuring better alignment with other multilateral forums such as the UN Ocean Conference.
As world leaders prepare for COP30 in November, the call for integrating ocean solutions into climate action has never been more urgent.