As a side event to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-III), held in Nice from 9th to 13th June, the One Ocean Science Congress (OOS2025) took place — an international congress dedicated to science within the context of UNOC-III. Organised by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the French Institute for Ocean Science (IFREMER), the congress was also held in Nice, from 3rd to 6th June. Its primary aim was to provide a robust scientific foundation regarding ocean health and its future challenges, addressed to political leaders, decision-makers and society at large. The event brought together over 2,000 scientists from across the globe and featured more than 30 round tables, 500 oral presentations and 620 posters focused on ocean sustainability.
OOS2025 preceded UNOC-III, which is regarded as the most significant international summit dedicated to the protection of the oceans to date. The conference brought together thousands of representatives from the scientific community, the economy, politics, the financial sector and civil society, all of whom underlined the essential role of the ocean in sustaining life on Earth and the urgency of taking concrete action.
CESAM was represented by:
- Amadeu Soares, CESAM Director, who held meetings with the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, and the President of the Regional Government of the Azores;
- Ana Hilário, researcher and co-organiser of two side events on deep-sea biodiversity, climate, science, and policy;
- Luís Menezes Pinheiro, member of the National Delegation to UNOC-III, who also participated in the 1st International Forum of Marine Universities, where he presented the All-Atlantic Floating University initiative (@SeaNetwork), which he coordinates;
- Helena Vieira, researcher invited to an online event on women’s and youth leadership in renewable energy and the blue economy.
One of the congress’s highlights was the official launch of the European Ocean Pact, promoted by the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Oceano Azul Foundation, and Europe Jacques Delors. This new alliance aims to mobilise one billion euros at European level for the recovery and protection of marine ecosystems.
CESAM’s active participation in this congress reinforces its position as a centre of excellence in environmental and marine research, with a direct impact on shaping public policy and promoting sustainable solutions for the ocean. By contributing to the international debate with sound scientific knowledge and collaborative initiatives, CESAM affirms itself as a key player in the global response to the challenges threatening the health of marine ecosystems.