In News:

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France (June 9–13, 2025), Brazil and France launched the Blue NDC Challenge — a major international initiative to integrate ocean-based climate solutions into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, in the lead-up to UNFCCC COP30, to be held in Belem, Brazil.

What is the Blue NDC Challenge?

The Blue NDC Challenge is a multilateral climate action initiative urging countries to incorporate ocean-centric measures into their updated NDCs. It aims to enhance climate mitigation and adaptation by recognizing the vital role of oceans and coastal ecosystems in addressing the climate crisis.

• Launched by: Brazil and France
• Platform: UNOC3 (June 2025)
• Target: Updated NDCs due for 2035 (deadline: February 10, 2025)

Participating Countries (as of June 2025):

• Founding: Brazil, France
• Joined: Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, Seychelles

Objectives and Key Features:

• Ocean-Integrated NDCs
  • Include marine ecosystems, coastal zones, mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes in national climate plans.
  • Integrate Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).
• Sustainable Blue Economy
  • Promote climate-resilient fisheries and carbon-smart aquaculture.
  • Expand clean ocean energy: offshore wind, wave, and tidal power.
• Decarbonization and Adaptation
  • Phase out offshore oil and gas projects.
  • Reduce emissions in shipping, seafood value chains, and coastal infrastructure.
  • Boost resilience in maritime sectors vulnerable to climate risks.
• Restoration and Conservation
  • Focus on the restoration of mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs—which are effective carbon sinks and natural buffers against sea-level rise.
• Global Partnerships and Support Mechanisms
  • Supported by:
    • Global Mangrove Alliance
    • UN High-Level Climate Champions
    • World Resources Institute (WRI)
    • Ocean Breakthroughs (Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action)

Significance and Leadership:

• Brazil’s Climate Leadership
  • Brazil’s 2035 NDC (submitted in November 2024) includes, for the first time, a dedicated Ocean and Coastal Zones component.
  • Brazil is also investing in marine conservation, supported by a $6.8 million fund from Bloomberg Philanthropies (June 8, 2025).
• Expert Insights:
  • Mangroves sequester carbon 10 times faster than terrestrial forests.
  • Including oceans in NDCs can unlock greater political and financial support, according to Conservation International and WRI.
• Emission Reduction Potential:
  • According to WRI, ocean-based solutions can contribute up to 35% of the global emissions reduction needed to stay within the 1.5°C limit.

Relevance for India and the World:

• With India’s vast coastline and diverse marine ecosystems, incorporating ocean-based climate actions into its NDCs could enhance climate resilience, especially for coastal communities.
• Global focus on oceans marks a shift towards holistic climate policy, integrating land, sea, and people-centric approaches.