Speaking at a press conference during the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, Guterres said greed is the “clear enemy” threatening marine ecosystems, fuelling illegal fishing, plastic pollution, and exacerbating climate change impacts.

“We are in Nice on a mission, save the ocean, to save our future,” he said.

“A tipping point is fast approaching, beyond which recovery may become impossible.”

The summit has brought together hundreds of world leaders, scientists, and civil society organisations on France’s Côte D’Azur to address what the UN calls an escalating emergency facing the world’s oceans. Guterres used the platform to confront what he described as the unchecked exploitation of marine resources for short-term profit.

“Greed sows doubt, denies science, distorts truth, rewards corruption, and destroys life for profit,” he said. “We cannot let greed dictate the fate of our planet.”

Guterres called for a united stand from governments, industry, communities and individuals to protect the ocean and resist forces undermining sustainability.

Calling for a “grand global coalition” that includes governments, business leaders, fishers, and scientists, the Secretary-General urged all actors to step forward with concrete pledges and substantial financial commitments.

“The ocean has given us so much,” he said. “It is time we returned the favour.”

--UN/ChannelAfrica--