A diverse delegation from French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana is heading to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, from June 9–13, to underline the urgent need for stronger regional and international cooperation against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promote sustainable fisheries and to share community-led solutions for ocean conservation.
UNOC delegation supported by WWF’s GREAT Ocean Project
UNOC is a global platform dedicated to advancing ocean action and accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. Now in its third edition, the conference unites governments, scientists, civil society, and the private sector in a shared mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans.
UNOC includes a Blue Zone for official delegations and a Green Zone for civil society. Our delegation will take part in the Green Zone and consists of ocean youth ambassadors, artisanal fishers, community leaders, and government representatives, accompanied by WWF staff.
Their participation at UNOC is part of the GREAT Ocean Project (Guianas Regional Action for a Thriving Ocean), which is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and ACCOR Group, and coordinated by WWF France. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with various local partners including WWF-Guianas and the French Guianese NGO SEPANGUY, both represented in the UNOC delegation. WWF will officially launch the GREAT Ocean Project on 10 June during the UN Ocean Conference, aboard the Blue Panda, our sailing vessel for ocean conservation. Fisherfolk and youth representatives from the delegation will share a statement on behalf of their communities.
Contribution to Regional Biodiversity and Fisheries Governance
The delegation’s participation is also underpinned by the regional BIODEV2030 initiative, which focuses on integrating biodiversity into the fisheries sector as part of the policies and practices in Guyana and Suriname. Representing Suriname’s government, one of the delegates will contribute perspectives from national efforts to align fisheries governance with biodiversity objectives.
From Local Stories to Global Solutions
By being a part of UNOC3, the Guianas delegation aims to draw international attention to the growing problem of IUU fishing in the region and push for stronger cooperation to curb the phenomenon. The delegation aims to make world leaders aware of the environmental and social impacts and call for greater responsibility to find concrete solutions on IUU fishing problems. At the same time, the delegation will share positive real-life stories and illustrate how young people, fishermen and coastal communities of the Guianas are already working on practical solutions, such as new tools and initiatives that help reduce bycatch and protect and raise awareness for the marine emblematic species. Fisherfolks will also highlight some exemplary initiatives led in the Guianas for sustainable fishing, such as the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) on shrimp trawlers, or no-fishing zones during turtle nesting season.
Each member of the delegation brings a unique perspective shaped by their background, experience, and nationality. By sharing these personal voices, the group highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and community-led action. Supported by WWF, they aim to build new partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange, and bring back ideas to improve sustainable fisheries at home.
Meet the delegation!
UNOC delegation supported by WWF’s GREAT Ocean Project
UNOC is a global platform dedicated to advancing ocean action and accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. Now in its third edition, the conference unites governments, scientists, civil society, and the private sector in a shared mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans.
UNOC includes a Blue Zone for official delegations and a Green Zone for civil society. Our delegation will take part in the Green Zone and consists of ocean youth ambassadors, artisanal fishers, community leaders, and government representatives, accompanied by WWF staff.
Their participation at UNOC is part of the GREAT Ocean Project (Guianas Regional Action for a Thriving Ocean), which is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and ACCOR Group, and coordinated by WWF France. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with various local partners including WWF-Guianas and the French Guianese NGO SEPANGUY, both represented in the UNOC delegation. WWF will officially launch the GREAT Ocean Project on 10 June during the UN Ocean Conference, aboard the Blue Panda, our sailing vessel for ocean conservation. Fisherfolk and youth representatives from the delegation will share a statement on behalf of their communities.
Contribution to Regional Biodiversity and Fisheries Governance
The delegation’s participation is also underpinned by the regional BIODEV2030 initiative, which focuses on integrating biodiversity into the fisheries sector as part of the policies and practices in Guyana and Suriname. Representing Suriname’s government, one of the delegates will contribute perspectives from national efforts to align fisheries governance with biodiversity objectives.
From Local Stories to Global Solutions
By being a part of UNOC3, the Guianas delegation aims to draw international attention to the growing problem of IUU fishing in the region and push for stronger cooperation to curb the phenomenon. The delegation aims to make world leaders aware of the environmental and social impacts and call for greater responsibility to find concrete solutions on IUU fishing problems. At the same time, the delegation will share positive real-life stories and illustrate how young people, fishermen and coastal communities of the Guianas are already working on practical solutions, such as new tools and initiatives that help reduce bycatch and protect and raise awareness for the marine emblematic species. Fisherfolks will also highlight some exemplary initiatives led in the Guianas for sustainable fishing, such as the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) on shrimp trawlers, or no-fishing zones during turtle nesting season.
Each member of the delegation brings a unique perspective shaped by their background, experience, and nationality. By sharing these personal voices, the group highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and community-led action. Supported by WWF, they aim to build new partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange, and bring back ideas to improve sustainable fisheries at home.
Meet the delegation!
