Areas of
Action
The Seven Themes for
The 10th OOC are as Follows:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Actions for 30 by 30
MPAs are powerful tools for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
The international community has set the goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030,
known as the 30 BY 30” target. It is important to focus on both achieving this goal through Collaboration among various stakeholders and effectively managing the MPAs by establishing monitoring and evaluation system. The 10th OOC will serve as a platform for participants to consolidate their knowledge experience and announce effective actions to accelerate the achievement of the “30 BY 30” target.
Sustainable Fisheries: Actions to Eliminate IUU Fishing
Global efforts to conserve oceans living resources that were once far more abundant have been ongoing
through resource management and regulated fishing activities. Responsible fishing is key to achieving
sustainable fisheries, and the international community has made significant progress by developing
concrete guidelines and agreements. These international efforts have improved control measures for
every stage of seafood production and distribution, from catching at sea to unloading at ports and
distribution in markets. Moreover, Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and training programs
aimed at strengthening the fisheries management capacities of developing countries have steadily
expanded for broader global participation and collective action. Against this backdrop, the 10th OOC
will provide great opportunity for every participant to announce their commitment and explore ways to
promote unified international actions to achieve sustainable fisheries.
Marine Pollution: Actions to Tackle Marine Plastic Pollution
Growing concerns about marine plastic pollution continue to draw global attention.
In response, the international community is working on a global treaty toward ending plastic pollution. Countries are improving waste management, companies are developing new recycling technologies,
and civil society is tackling the problem through campaigns and volunteer efforts.
At the 10th OOC, discussions will focus on bringing together the efforts of governments, local authorities,
businesses, and citizens to address marine waste, with a special focus on plastic pollution, and to
encourage coordinated global action.
Climate Change: Actions for Carbon Reduction in Our Ocean
Climate change poses a profound threat to the ocean’s ability to regulate the global climate,
with consequences such as rising sea temperatures, sea level rise, and ocean acidification, which in turn
trigger numerous ripple effects in our ocean. The need to go beyond carbon neutrality and achieve carbon
negativity is being recognized as a fundamental solution to address these climate change challenges.
The 10th OOC will focus on ways to reduce and absorb carbon in the ocean. Key discussions will include
decarbonizing international shipping, transitioning to eco-friendly vessels for coastal and fishing fleets,
expanding blue carbon initiatives such as carbon sinks, and fostering international cooperation on marine
carbon reduction. Participants will share practical examples and discuss strategies for spreading
successful initiatives.
Maritime Security: Actions for Stable International Maritime Order
The ocean connects the world and has long been a vital space for international exchange and cooperation
in areas such as transportation, logistics, and the use of marine resources. Around 80% of global trade is
conducted by sea, making the ocean the backbone of the global supply chain.
However, this supply chain on the ocean is increasingly threatened by conflicts such as war and illegal
activities such as piracy, which cause significant economic disruptions worldwide.
Strong cooperation among nations is crucial to maintaining a stable and predictable maritime order.
At the 10th OOC, the international community will work on developing cooperative measures to establish
a stable maritime order and strengthen international maritime security governance.
Blue Economy: Actions toward Creating an Innovative Framework for the Blue Economy
The Blue Economy represents a new paradigm that fosters innovative business models and economic
growth through the sustainable use of the ocean. Many countries worldwide are striving to utilize
the Blue Economy as a new engine for national development. Some nations are already showcasing
successful Blue Economy framework built on advanced knowledge, technology, and governance.
The 10th OOC will offer a platform to share knowledge and experiences related to these innovative
Blue Economy framework that have become a reality. In addition to these six core agendas,
the Republic of Korea has identified “Digital Oceans” as an overarching agenda, connecting the various topics of discussion.
Digital Oceans: Actions for Advancing Sustainable Ocean through Digital Technology
The international community is actively using digital technology to tackle major challenges in our ocean.
Smart technology is also being applied to aquaculture to boost growth in the fisheries industry,
and efforts are underway to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce ship greenhouse gas emissions
through autonomous vessels and digital maritime traffic management. The 10th OOC will explore
how digital ocean technology is driving new ocean actions and discuss international cooperation to accelerate these advancements.