France and Brazil Launch Global “Blue NDC Challenge” to Elevate Oceans in Climate Action at UN Ocean Conference
Nice : On the opening day of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), France and Brazil jointly unveiled the Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge, a groundbreaking international initiative aimed at putting the ocean at the forefront of global climate strategies.
The initiative urges countries to explicitly integrate ocean-based climate action into their national plans under the Paris Agreement ahead of the COP30 Climate Summit, which Brazil will host in Belém this November.
France and Brazil, joined by an inaugural coalition of eight countries — Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, Seychelles, and others — have committed to advancing ocean-related solutions to combat climate change, reflecting the ocean’s critical role in both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
“For Brazil, the Blue NDC Challenge represents a key opportunity to strengthen ocean-related climate action and to emphasise the essential role of ocean-based solutions in achieving emission reduction targets,” said Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister for the Environment and Climate Change.
Brazil’s latest NDC submission includes, for the first time, a suite of ocean-based measures such as Marine Spatial Planning, enhanced coastal zone management, and new programs focused on mangrove and coral reef conservation and restoration.
The initiative is backed by several key environmental organizations, including Ocean Conservancy, the Ocean & Climate Platform, the World Resources Institute, and WWF-Brazil, under the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance (ORCA).
With 40% of Brazil’s national territory situated at sea, its marine ecosystems — including the world’s largest contiguous mangrove belt and the only South Atlantic coral reefs — are globally significant and vital in the fight against climate change. These ecosystems help buffer extreme weather events and serve as major carbon sinks.
“Industrial marine sectors and natural ecosystems are underused tools in addressing climate change,” said Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles. “As world leaders gather in Nice and prepare for COP30 in Belém, they can take inspiration from nations like Seychelles in championing ocean-based climate action.”
Australia’s Environment Minister Senator Murray Watt also voiced support:
“We are pleased to join the Blue NDC Challenge and work alongside COP30 host Brazil, France, and others to highlight the vital role of the ocean in global climate efforts.”
The Blue NDC Challenge comes as countries mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and prepares the world for the next major step in global climate cooperation at COP30. With momentum growing, the initiative signals a bold call for enhanced ambition, international collaboration, and the integration of ocean-based solutions into the highest levels of climate policymaking.
