SCB Marine Board Statement on the 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Advancing Evidence-Based Marine Conservation Through Global Partnership

As the United Nations just convened global leaders for the 2025 Ocean Conference, the Society for Conservation Biology Marine Global Program (SCB Marine) reaffirms our unwavering commitment to supporting evidence-based and equitable marine conservation worldwide. We commend the UN’s continued leadership in fostering international collaboration to address our ocean’s most pressing challenges.

Our Shared Vision for Ocean Stewardship

SCB Marine’s mission aligns with the UN Ocean Conference agenda and the urgent imperatives of Sustainable Development Goal 14. We envision healthy, resilient marine ecosystems that support both biodiversity and the billions of people who depend on ocean resources. Our work centers on advancing scientific excellence and is driven by the conviction that conservation solutions must be inclusive, equitable, and guided by the wisdom of local communities who serve as ocean stewards.

Climate resilience cannot be achieved without healthy oceans, and healthy oceans cannot be sustained without inclusive governance that meaningfully engages coastal and Indigenous communities. We recognize that the most effective marine conservation emerges from partnerships that honor traditional ecological knowledge alongside cutting-edge science, creating solutions that are both scientifically sound and socially just.

Supporting the Global Ocean Community

Through our diverse initiatives, SCB Marine serves as a bridge between marine science and conservation action and policy. We facilitate knowledge exchange through workshops, symposia, and our flagship International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC), bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world. Our resources and networks support early-career scientists, amplify underrepresented voices in marine conservation, and translate complex research into actionable policy recommendations.

We are committed to fostering the next generation of marine conservationists while equipping current practitioners with the tools, connections, and evidence they need to protect our shared ocean heritage. Our work extends beyond academia to engage with local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts are culturally appropriate and community-led.

A Call for Science-Policy Integration

As global leaders gather to chart the future of ocean governance, we call for stronger integration of scientific evidence into policy frameworks. Marine conservation decisions must be grounded in robust data, peer-reviewed research, and the lived experiences of those most closely connected to marine ecosystems. We stand ready to support this integration by facilitating dialogue between the scientific community and policymakers, providing accessible research syntheses, and advocating for evidence-based approaches to ocean management.

The challenges facing our oceans—from climate change and pollution to overexploitation and habitat loss—require coordinated global action informed by the best available science. SCB Marine is committed to supporting this effort by connecting research with practice, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring that marine conservation remains at the forefront of global environmental priorities.

Moving Forward Together

The UN Ocean Conference represents a critical moment for our shared blue planet. SCB Marine pledges to continue supporting our members and the broader ocean community in advancing marine conservation that is scientifically rigorous, socially equitable, and globally impactful. Together, we can build a future where thriving marine ecosystems support both biodiversity and human wellbeing for generations to come.

The Society for Conservation Biology Marine Global Program represents marine conservation professionals worldwide, working to advance the science and practice of marine biodiversity conservation through research, education, and community engagement.