Addressing fossil fuel threats in biodiversity hotspots like VIP crucial in meeting 30x30 global ocean goal – groups at UNOC3

NICE, FRANCE – As global leaders gather to discuss critical issues on ocean conservation at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Southeast Asian and global sustainability groups said that the goal to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 (30x30) cannot be met without addressing the continuing expansion of fossil fuels in biodiverse marine regions.

The call was made in a UNOC3 side-event organized by think tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), with Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), SkyTruth, and RimbaWatch. The discussion highlighted the growing fossil fuel developments currently endangering the Coral Triangle region, including critical marine habitats like the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines.

“The Coral Triangle continues to face immense threats from fossil fuel developments. There are only a few years left to meet the 30x30 target. Allowing continued proliferation of fossil fuels in critical marine habitats runs contrary to this goal,” said Gerry Arances, executive director of CEED. CEED is also one of the convenors of the global campaign to Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP).

“The Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world, is a cornerstone for protecting the health of our world’s ocean. This includes the VIP in the Philippines and other critical areas in Southeast Asia. We must ensure coherent policies are legislated across countries and governments housing these sensitive marine biodiversity hotspots,” Arances added.

According to a 2024 study, over 100 known offshore oil and gas production blocks are currently operating in the region, with 450 more being explored for future extraction. This could potentially damage about 16% of the Coral Triangle, including significant portions of mangrove, coral, and seagrass ecosystems. Massive expansion plans for fossil gas and liquefied natural gas, totaling 64,383 MW across Southeast Asia, also pose increased risks of toxic cargo pollution in the region’s waters.

“Coastal communities are usually the most affected by oil and gas,” said Bruna Campos of CIEL. “Marine protected areas and coastal communities are very much together because they are the stewards of these protected areas. They are going to need a support system for them to be able to function. They need to be involved, and this involvement requires them to be heard, for them not to be threatened.”

“The only way to be able to achieve [the 30x30] target is if you have national laws that will be able to protect the protected areas effectively, and also to ensure that indigenous communities and coastal communities will continue being the stewards of these marine protected areas,” Campos added.

France is reported to be the seventh-biggest financier of gas in the Coral Triangle with USD 4.929 billion, according to a special report by the CEED.

“As co-chair of the UN Ocean Conference, it is now the time for France and its financial institutions to lead by example in protecting our ocean. Cutting fossil fuel finance in the Coral Triangle must be a priority in meeting our 30x30 targets,” Arances added.

The event took place ahead of World Oceans Day, an annual celebration to raise global awareness on the importance of protecting and conserving the ocean. 

“At UNOC3, we call on world leaders and all who truly seek to uphold stewardship of our ocean to take action. The massive potential to displace fossil fuels with renewables in the VIP, the Coral Triangle, and globally has barely been tapped. A fossil-free ocean is entirely possible,” Arances said.

From left to right: Gerry Arances (CEED and Protect VIP), Adam Farhan (RimbaWatch), Kris Moreau (SkyTruth), and Bruna Campos (CIEL).