At COP30, France and Brazil Signal Support for Ocean Taskforce as New Countries Join Global Ocean Climate Effort

Belém, Brazil – France and Brazil today took a bold step to place the ocean at the forefront of climate action, announcing support for the creation of an ‘Ocean Taskforce’ – The Blue NDC Implementation Taskforce –  a global mechanism designed to accelerate the integration of ocean-based solutions into national climate plans, as a direct continuation of the work initiated through the Blue NDC Challenge earlier this year.

With 9 in 10 countries now including ocean measures in their national climate plans, momentum for ocean-based climate action is stronger than ever. But to secure a sustainable future, countries must rapidly implement the shift to clean energy at sea and slash emissions across the ocean economy.

The signal of support was made during a High-Level Ocean Ministerial on the sidelines of COP30, where governments, partners, and experts convened to advance the ocean-climate agenda. During the event, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, and Singapore also joined the Blue NDC Challenge, expanding the coalition.

At the Ministerial, countries expressed their intention to transition the Blue NDC Challenge into an ‘implementation taskforce’, reaffirming the importance of international collaboration at a time when multilateralism is under strain.

A decade after Paris: From ambition to implementation

Co-led by France and Brazil, the Ocean Taskforce would build on the momentum of the Blue NDC Challenge – launched earlier this year at the UN Ocean Conference – to mobilize political leadership, technical expertise, and investment for ocean-climate action.

Thanks to the progress driven by this initiative, countries are now poised to move from ambition to action – embedding ocean solutions into national plans, attracting finance, and delivering impact by 2030.

Why an ocean taskforce now?

Despite its enormous potential for climate mitigation, adaptation, and economic growth, the ocean has historically been underrepresented in climate strategies and finance. For years, ocean action was largely absent from NDCs and received less than 1% of global climate finance, leaving a significant gap between what the ocean can deliver and what is currently being mobilized.

But things are starting to move as this new round of NDC submissions demonstrates strong political will and growing interest: more countries are recognising the ocean as a strategic pillar of their climate plans, highlighting the need to deliver on these solutions. Today, almost 9 out of 10 countries include ocean-related priorities in their national investment plans, reflecting growing political momentum to place the ocean at the heart of climate action.

This shift is backed by strong economic and scientific evidence. Research shows that fully deploying ocean-based climate solutions such as phasing out offshore oil and gas, decarbonise shipping, increasing the number of marine protected areas among others, could deliver up to 35% of the emissions reductions needed to keep the world on a 1.5°C pathway by 2050. 

The proposed Blue NDC Implementation Taskforce would help countries close this ‘ocean opportunity gap’ by:

• Integrating ocean action into NDCs and national development strategies.
• Mobilizing public and private finance, including through climate funds, development banks, and emerging blue finance mechanisms.
• Facilitating technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and peer learning to accelerate delivery and increase accountability.

Champions of the Blue NDC Challenge

The Blue NDC Challenge is co-led by France and Brazil, and supported by:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Chile
• Fiji
• France
• Indonesia
• Madagascar
• Mexico
• Kenya
• Palau
• Portugal
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• United Kingdom
  

What global leaders are saying

Benoit Faraco, Climate Ambassador, France, commented: ““UNOC 3 in Nice demonstrated that multilateralism is working. It not only created momentum for ocean–climate ambition, but also led to the swift ratification of the High Seas Treaty. It is now up to us to implement these commitments here at COP30, thanks to the Brazilian–French partnership and the call for blue NDCs, which give the ocean a central role in our fight against the climate crisis.”

H.E. Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy, Portugal, said:”Portugal expresses its strong support for the Blue NDC Challenge and reaffirms its commitment to placing the ocean at the heart of climate ambition and action. We recognize the essential role of sustainable ocean-based solutions and we highlight that  joining this initiative strengthens our determination to collaborate internationally and accelerate the implementation of robust ocean climate policies.”

Mr. A. Koswara, Director General for Ocean Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia, said: “Indonesia is proud to join the Blue NDC Challenge as part of our commitment to strengthen our Second NDC, which now fully incorporates mangrove ecosystems and prepares seagrass ecosystems for future mitigation commitments. This aligns with our Blue Carbon Ecosystem Roadmap, which guides improvements in data, MRV systems, and investment for coastal ecosystem protection. Through this collaboration, Indonesia aims to enhance global climate ambition, mobilize high-integrity blue carbon finance, and support resilient coastal communities.”

Anna-Marie Laura, Director of Climate Policy, Ocean Conservancy, said: “The ocean and its economy are vital for climate and growth, yet receive less than 1% of global climate finance. Countries need support to protect their coastal zones and plan sustainable use. As we transition into an ocean taskforce we recognize the need for platforms to provide technical, policy, and financial assistance to accelerate ocean solutions and safeguard ecosystems, build resilience, and deliver the blue economy’s promise for people and planet,” 

Tom Pickerell, Global Director for WRI’s Ocean Program, added: “While ocean-based climate actions are becoming increasingly recognised in coastal and island countries’ NDCs, they remain underfunded and overlooked. We can’t afford to miss major opportunities such as phasing out offshore oil and gas, decarbonising the shipping industry, and scaling sustainable seafood. The Blue NDC Taskforce will be key to driving ambition and helping governments finally unlock the ocean’s full climate potential.”

About the Blue NDC Challenge

The Blue NDC Challenge is a global initiative that puts the ocean at the center of climate action. Supported by partners including Ocean Conservancy, Ocean & Climate Platform, and the World Resources Institute, it helps governments integrate ocean-based solutions into their NDCs and climate implementation plans. By doing so, the Challenge unlocks the ocean’s full potential to deliver benefits for the climate, biodiversity, and communities worldwide.