France and Brazil Launch Blue NDC Challenge

• 11 Jun 2025

On 10th June 2025, at the opening of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), France and Brazil launched the Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge—an international initiative urging countries to integrate ocean-based solutions into their climate plans.

Key Points

• Ocean at the Core of Climate Plans: The initiative calls on nations to place oceans at the heart of their NDCs ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host in November 2025.
• Founding Members: Eight countries have already joined the challenge—Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, Seychelles, France, and Brazil—pledging to include ocean-focused strategies in their Paris Agreement commitments.
• Brazil’s Ocean Commitments: Brazil’s updated NDC includes Marine Spatial Planning, coastal zone management, and programs to conserve and restore mangroves and coral reefs.
• Global Ecosystem Value: Brazil emphasized its status as an oceanic nation, with 40% of its territory at sea, hosting the only South Atlantic coral reefs and the world’s largest mangrove belt.
• Support and Endorsement: The initiative is backed by Ocean Conservancy, Ocean and Climate Platform, World Resources Institute (via ORCA), and WWF-Brazil.
• Building Climate Resilience: Participating governments aim to reduce emissions and build resilience using marine ecosystems as natural climate buffers, while also benefiting biodiversity and communities.