“The ocean is in a state of emergency”, warned Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the UN Ocean Conference at a recent press briefing. Co-hosts France and Costa Rica hope the resulting outcome document will be as transformational for the ocean as the Paris Agreement was for climate. Bridging science and policy is a key focus, very much in line with SEI’s area of expertise.

SEI will contribute to the UN Ocean Conference, as well as the preceding One Ocean Science Congress. Researchers Karina Barquet, head of SEI’s Water, Coasts and Ocean team, and Charlotte Wagner, senior researcher at SEI US, will be in Nice to share insights, engage in dialogue, and host side events. Their top priorities include:

1. Enhancing coastal resilience

Protecting coastal communities from climate risks is urgent: nearly 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of a coastline. SEI supports governments and communities to model risks and design adaptive responses. These range from early warning systems and mangrove restoration to spatial planning that balances infrastructure, food systems, and nature.  

2. Co-creating solutions with local actors

Indigenous Peoples, coastal youth, and small-scale fishers are often left out of decision-making and finance, even as they bear the brunt of climate and ocean degradation. SEI explores how to embed participatory approaches in governance. Charlotte Wagner presented research on pollution impacts on small-scale fisheries at the One Ocean Science Congress.  

3. Building a more sustainable blue economy

The expanding blue economy brings opportunity, but also competition, across offshore wind, aquaculture, transport, and conservation. SEI studies how to manage tensions and promote co-existence. This includes work on off-grid technologies and multi-use infrastructure. These issues will be tackled at the SEI-led side event Enhancing coastal resilience for a thriving blue economy, hosting a range of knowledgeable speakers. 

4. Strengthening ocean governance at all levels

Rising pressure on the ocean demands updated governance. SEI tracks key global processes like the High Seas and Global Plastics Treaties, while also exploring how finance, security, and land-based planning can better align with ocean health. One SEI-led session, Turning the tide: governing marine pollution from source to sea, highlights new governance models for tackling pollution. 

5. Putting science in policymakers’ hands

UNOC calls for more evidence-based ocean action. SEI promotes both better science on ocean stressors and stronger links between research and policy. Today’s siloed governance cannot keep pace with cascading risks; reform is needed, and SEI is helping shape the agenda. 

SEI will collaborate with partners at UNOC to build a global coastal resilience community of practice, an idea first floated at the UN SIDS conference that is now gaining momentum. Connect with us to learn more or get involved.