CEO Statement: "Fostering a healthy, resilient ocean at the UN Ocean Conference"
Together, we will work to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources.
Media Contacts
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Claire Griffin
Global Media Relations Coordinator
Email: claire.griffin@tnc.org
Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will bring together UN Member States, specialized agencies, civil society, the private sector and international donors in Nice, France from June 9 to 13. Together, we will work to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources.
Media Statement from The Nature Conservancy’s CEO Jennifer Morris:
“Covering more than 70% of Earth’s surface, the ocean plays an essential role in each of our lives—regardless of whether we live at the coast or hundreds of miles inland. It is our planet’s life support system, supplying half the oxygen we breathe, providing food and income for billions, and serving as a cornerstone of culture and livelihoods for communities around the world.
“Yet even as it sustains us, the ocean and its wildlife are increasingly imperiled by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, destructive fishing practices and unsustainable resource extraction.
“Safeguarding the ocean’s future—and our own—demands collective policy action and renewed commitment to its protection from governments, businesses and communities alike.
“That’s why The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is advancing a shared vision for a healthy, resilient ocean at the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) kicking off in Nice, France today.
TNC will champion three critical priorities:
- Protecting marine and coastal biodiversity
- Driving the sustainable use of ocean resources
- Increasing investment in ocean conservation
These goals are not only essential for the health of our oceans—they are vital for the future of humanity.
“The case for urgent action is abundantly clear, and we believe that by working together—across sectors, borders and generations—there is still time to turn the tide for our shared ocean.”
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Led by Global Ocean Director Dr. Lizzie McLeod, The Nature Conservancy’s delegation of experts can speak to media about what progress looks like around sustainable solutions in restoration, aquaculture, fisheries, global policy and conservation finance. The team brings regional perspectives from the coasts of South America and Africa to the archipelagos of the Pacific, ensuring that local voices and experiences are represented at the heart of global ocean action.
To speak with TNC experts on the ground at UNOC, please reach out to claire.griffin@tnc.org.
Members of our delegation include:
- Dr. Lizzie McLeod, TNC Global Ocean Director (Head of Delegation) — Talk to me about: high-level interviews; progress at UNOC; TNC ocean solutions; global ocean policy; marine conservation, restoration, & management at scale; coral reefs; blue carbon
- Melissa Garvey, Global Director for Nature Bonds — Talk to me about: conservation finance and investment, TNC Nature Bonds/Blue Bonds
- Emily Landis: Global Climate & Ocean Director —Talk to me about: blue carbon ecosystems/markets, The Mangrove Breakthrough, climate change impacts, nature-based solutions
- Ben Gilmer: Director of Large-Scale Fisheries — Talk to me about: global fisheries policy, supply chain issues, Tuna Transparency Pledge
- Taylor Voorhees: Global Aquaculture Program Director — Talk to me about: sustainable aquaculture
- Keobel “KB” Sakuma: Interim Deputy Director, Micronesia Program — Talk to me about: marine conservation & sustainable fishing in Micronesia & Polynesia
- Natalio Godoy: Ocean Scientist, TNC Chile — Talk to me about: sustainable fisheries & marine conservation in Chile/Humboldt Current
- Jeff Ardron: Africa Oceans Director — Talk to me about: marine conservation efforts in Angola, Gabon, Kenya, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and United republic of Tanzania
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.