Held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025) brought together global marine conservation actors. Organized under the main theme of “Scaling up actions and mobilizing all actors to protect and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference aimed to support global efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). As the Mediterranean Conservation Society (AKD), we proudly represented both Türkiye and the Mediterranean’s biological and cultural heritage at this prestigious event.
Throughout the conference, AKD was represented by four delegates: our Chairperson Zafer Kızılkaya, Secretary General Gizem Akdoğan, Resource Development and Administrative Affairs Coordinator Caner Bayrak, and Scientific Monitoring team member Serena Pennetti. They took on active roles as speakers, facilitators, and participants in various thematic sessions.
On June 3, during the roundtable themed “Climate Change and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean” hosted by the City of Nice and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, our Secretary General Gizem Akdoğan shared our experiences in combating invasive species with international representatives. The event hosted by STS Bodrum stood out among the conference highlights, focusing on maritime culture and local collaborations. As the first school ship in the history of the Turkish Republic, STS Bodrum was included in the United Nations' Ocean Wonders Fleet and anchored in Nice after departing from Türkiye. Our Scientific Monitoring team member Serena Pennetti was also on board.
On June 10, at the side event held in the Green Zone titled “Successful Marine Protected Area Governance Models,” we showcased exemplary practices from Türkiye, emphasizing that effective MPA management is critical not only for conservation but also for local well-being. That afternoon, Caner Bayrak spoke at the civil society panel titled “From Shore to Summit,” which aimed to shape a common discourse toward more participatory and inclusive policies in protected areas.
Zafer Kızılkaya presented traditional marine conservation models from Türkiye at the “Grassroots Action for Marine Conservation” event, highlighting the vital role of partnerships with local communities in the success of conservation. On the same day, he also contributed to a session featuring The MedFund’s 10-year experience, emphasizing the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term conservation efforts.
AKD also made its voice heard at the policy level. At the “Protected Species” roundtable held on June 10, we expressed civil society’s demands for strengthening protected areas within international governance systems. This platform allowed us to raise our voice not only for Türkiye but for the entire Mediterranean basin.
Our participation in UNOC 2025 was more than just representation—it was a global step in our fight to protect the Mediterranean’s biodiversity. Türkiye’s conservation policies, community-based approaches, and practices supporting small-scale fisheries garnered interest throughout the conference. In the coming years, we aim to develop impactful projects through these connections—both on the ground and at the policy level.