By The Respondent Reporter
Tanzania is among the nations taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), currently underway in Nice, France, from 9 to 13 June 2025.
The East African nation is represented by its Vice President, Dr Philip Isdor Mpango, with the country’s environmental regulator, the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), also participating, led by Director General Dr Immaculate Sware Semesi.
The high-level summit brings together world leaders, UN member states, international agencies, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which aims to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.
This year’s theme, “Scaling up action and inclusive partnerships to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” calls for urgent, science-based efforts and deeper collaboration to address the worsening health of the world’s oceans.
Tanzania, with its long Indian Ocean coastline, is highly dependent on marine ecosystems for fishing, tourism, and coastal livelihoods.
Officials say the conference presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen international partnerships and mobilize support for national efforts to protect its marine environment.
NEMC Director General Dr Semesi said Tanzania is committed to advancing marine protection while ensuring sustainable economic growth.
“We are here to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and bring home workable solutions that will enhance our national ocean governance frameworks,” she said.
The UN conference is expected to conclude with a set of voluntary commitments and new initiatives focused on combating marine pollution, protecting coastal biodiversity, and enhancing resilience in the face of climate change.