The Paris Agreement has driven progress on climate, but we are still not on track. This fall (2025), countries will submit new plans under the Paris Agreement explaining how they will tackle climate change. These are called Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs. This is our chance to change course, and to mobilize a crucial untapped resource to tackle the climate crisis: the ocean. Despite all it has done for us simply by existing, our ocean can still do far more—such as providing clean energy from waves, wind and tides.

The Blue NDC Challenge is a global call for all Parties to the Paris Agreement to integrate ocean-based climate solutions into their NDCs, due before COP30 in Brazil this November, or their implementation plans. By joining, governments commit to accelerating ocean-based mitigation and adaptation actions that deliver benefits for climate, nature and people.

Depending on their national context, countries can for instance include:

• Sustainably managing, conserving and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems;
• Phasing out offshore oil and gas production;
• Scaling up responsible marine renewable energy;
• Decarbonizing and adapting maritime industries, like shipping;
• Fostering sustainable, climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture.

Who Currently Supports the Blue NDC Challenge

The Challenge was launched by Brazil and France and has already been endorsed by countries around the world. The list of supporting countries includes:

• Brazil
• France
• Australia
• Fiji
• Kenya
• Mexico
• Palau
• The Republic of Seychelles

It is supported by Ocean Conservancy, Ocean & Climate Platform and the World Resources Institute, forming a growing coalition of countries and partners working to bring the ocean to the heart of climate action.

What Joining the Blue NDC Challenge Means

Governments that take the Blue NDC Challenge commit to integrating ocean-based climate solutions into their NDCs or achieving their NDCs with ocean-climate solutions. Stronger, ocean-inclusive NDCs and implementation plans increase climate ambition and send a clear signal to investors and technical partners to unlock finance, technology and other support to accelerate implementation.

How to Get Involved in the Blue NDC Challenge

Countries joining the Blue NDC Challenge will be supported by a global coalition of partners, including the Ocean Breakthroughs, led by the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and the UN High Level Climate Champions; and the NDC Partnership, hosted by the World Resources Institute. These partners provide technical assistance, capacity building, and pathways to climate finance to help countries turn commitments into action.

To join the Blue NDC Challenge, or to receive more information, contact:

Anna-Marie Laura
Senior Director of Climate Policy
Ocean Conservancy
[email protected]

Marine Lecerf
Head of International Policy
Ocean and Climate Platform
[email protected]

Micheline Khan
Senior Associate for Ocean Climate
World Resources Institute
[email protected]