SwedBio is proud to join the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), taking place in Nice, France, from 9–13 June 2025, under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference will conclude with the adoption of the “Nice Ocean Action Plan”—a concise, action-oriented declaration accompanied by voluntary commitments.

In line with SwedBio’s long-standing commitment to equity and human rights in environmental governance, we are engaged in several key events throughout the week:

Side Event | Rights-holder vs. Stakeholder: How human rights offer guidance for meaningful participation of small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples
📅 Monday, 9 June | 🕐 13:30–15:00 CET | 📍 Hotel Aston La Scala
Together with the Danish Institute for Human Rights and other partners, SwedBio is co-convening this session to explore how a human rights-based approach can guide inclusive, rights-holder-led ocean governance. The conversation will highlight practical pathways to uphold the rights of small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples in ocean decision-making.
🔗 Event details and registration

Funder Exchange & Fisher-Funder Dialogue: Collaborative Currents
📅 Wednesday, 11 June | 📍 Nice
SwedBio will contribute to a closed funder panel hosted by the Small-Scale Fisheries Funders’ Network, sharing experiences on adapting grantmaking strategies to support equity and local leadership. This will be followed by Collaborative Currents, an informal evening gathering that brings funders and fisher representatives together for dynamic, micro-meetings and open dialogue.

If you are sponsoring SSF delegates for the Conference or if there are SSFs in your network that plan to be in Nice, you can follow this link for SSF Representatives to join Collaborative Currents.

Official Side Event | Small-Scale Fisheries Representatives in the Spotlight
📅 Thursday, 12 June | 🕔 17:30–18:45 | 📍 Room 4, Blue Zone
Led by small-scale fisher representatives themselves, this official UNOC side event will amplify their voices and stories, spotlighting the contributions and leadership of SSF communities in sustaining marine biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Through our participation, SwedBio continues to emphasise the importance of meaningful participation, equity, and knowledge diversity in ocean policy—working alongside communities to ensure just and sustainable futures for people and the planet.

If you are interested to learn more please contact our colleague Ana Carolina Marciano, who is on site.

2025-06-10