Nations pledge to protect oceans at UN conference, but critics say more action is needed.

At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, nations made commitments to protect marine biodiversity, including ratifying the High Seas Treaty to safeguard international waters. With oceans facing threats like pollution and climate change, delegates emphasized the need for increased funding and action, especially from African governments, which lag in conservation efforts. Despite progress, the conference was criticized for not addressing fossil fuels and for lacking strong financial pledges for developing countries and civil society.