As the climate crisis intensifies, the health of our oceans has emerged as a critical front in the global effort to protect our planet. Oceans regulate the Earth’s climate, absorb nearly a third of global carbon dioxide emissions, and support the livelihoods of over three billion people. Blue carbon ecosystems—such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes—play a particularly vital role. These coastal habitats sequester carbon at rates up to ten times higher than terrestrial forests, while also providing essential services like coastal protection, biodiversity support, and food security.
In recent years, there has been a surge in international attention on ocean sustainability and the role of oceans in climate action, driven by the urgent need to address threats like climate change, overfishing, and marine pollution. This momentum was clearly visible earlier this month, when two members of our Nature- and Technology-based Solutions team had the privilege of attending two landmark events in ocean sustainability: the One Ocean Science Congress and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), both held in Nice, France.
Key Insights from the One Ocean Science Congress
At the One Ocean Science Congress, SE Advisory Services’s blue carbon experts joined over 2,000 scientists and researchers to explore the latest interdisciplinary studies on ocean ecosystems, climate impacts, and innovative conservation strategies. The Congress reinforced the indispensable role of science in shaping effective ocean policy and emphasised the urgency of addressing accelerating threats through collaborative, evidence-based approaches.
We were proud to present a poster on our community-based mangrove restoration project, showcasing how local communities are leading the way in restoring coastal ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. These exchanges sparked valuable conversations and opened doors to new collaborations, particularly around the use of mangroves as a nature-based solution for climate resilience and ocean conservation.
Highlights from the UN Ocean Conference 2025
Following the Congress, the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice and co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, brought together over 15,000 participants. These included more than 60 Heads of State and Government, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and civil society organisations, all working to accelerate global action on Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Nice Ocean Action Plan and a political declaration titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action,” along with over 800 voluntary commitments addressing marine protection, ocean finance, pollution, and the ratification of the High Seas Treaty.
Key outcomes included:
What This Means for SE Advisory Services
For SE Advisory Services, participating in these global forums has deepened our commitment to scaling up our blue carbon restoration efforts. Healthy mangrove ecosystems are not only powerful carbon sinks, they also shield coastal communities from extreme weather, support fisheries, and sustain local economies.
We are more determined than ever to expand our partnerships and on-the-ground impact, working hand-in-hand with communities and stakeholders to restore and conserve these vital ecosystems. Our experience in Nice reaffirmed that nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration are essential to building a resilient, climate-safe future.
Our new Carbon Market Guide reveals how to strategically incorporate carbon credits into your net-zero roadmap.
Choose SE Advisory Services for industry-leading expertise in climate strategy and sustainability solutions. We’re here to guide your business through every step towards achieving your sustainability goals while supporting your operational success and market reputation.