Can UN Summit in France Bridge $15.8 Billion Ocean Protection Funding Gap?

Establishing and achieving the UN’s 30x30 target of protecting 30% of the global oceans by 2030, according to The Ocean Protection Gap Assessing Progress toward the 30x30 Target, prepared by a consortium of nongovernmental organisations and funders, published in June 2025. The estimated funding requirement — $15.8 billion annually — is equivalent to approximately 0.5% of annual global defence budgets.

However, current annual investment in ocean protection is only $1.2 billion, which is less than 10% of what is actually needed, leaving a funding gap of $14.6 billion.

The 30x30 target, one of 23 goals established under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by 196 countries in 2022, is meant to halt and reverse nature loss. It aims to protect 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas through Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) by 2030.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are defined regions managed for the long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystems, or cultural heritage. OECMs are areas that effectively conserve biodiversity outside of designated protected areas.

The ocean plays a critical role in global ecosystems, generating half the oxygen we breathe, regulating climate by absorbing heat and storing carbon, and contributing $2.6 trillion in value annually — exceeding the Gross Domestic Product of Brazil or Canada, as reported by Down To Earth. In 2023, ocean-based sectors such as shipping, tourism, fisheries, and marine energy contributed more than $2.2 trillion or 7% of global trade, according to the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). However, climate stress, policy fragmentation and shifting trade dynamics are threatening future of ocean economy.

“The Ocean does not get enough attention. It’s the hardest working ally to support climate change. It is home to an incredible array of marine life. Billions of people rely on the ocean as their primary food source,” Brian O'Donnell, Director of Campaign for Nature, told Down To Earth.

According to the latest update from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), as of 2 June, only 8.6% of the ocean is reported as protected. Of this only 2.7% has been found to be effectively protected. This means only 2.7% of the ocean has regulations and active management to ensure minimal or no damaging activities, according to the report.

“Too many MPAs are unfunded, unstaffed and unenforced, rendering their protection in name only,” Beth Pike, Director of Marine Protection Atlas, told Down To Earth at the report launch.

Summit Targets Ocean Emergency

The Ocean Protection Gap Assessing Progress toward the 30x30 Target report comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference 3 (UNOC3) to be held in France between June 9 and 13. The high-level summit will be co-chaired by France and Costa Rica with an aim to confront the deepening ocean emergency.

The ocean is facing an unprecedented crisis driven by climate change, plastic pollution, ecosystem loss, and other threats. The summit aims to bring together world leaders, scientists, activists and business executives to adopt a political declaration and unveil the Nice Ocean Action Plan.