A roundtable discussion held by the French embassy in Nicosia revealed that Cyprus protects only 18 per cent of its marine area, falling short of the international target of 30 per cent.

“The science is clear. The oceans are in deep crisis. More than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year. (…) Collectively, but also individually, it is our duty to take action,” French ambassador Clelia Chevrier Kolacko said at the meeting, which was held ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

During the discussion on marine conservation, Dimitra Orthodoxou, head of applied research at Isotech, a company focused on environmental and marine issues, emphasised that Cyprus’ 18 per cent marine protection rate is well below the EU’s target of 30 per cent. She warned that this shortfall threatens marine ecosystems and called for expanded protected zones.

Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou echoed the need for stronger conservation measures, noting that Cyprus has yet to sign the 7th Protocol to the Barcelona Convention – the first EU-ratified international agreement to protect Mediterranean coastal zones.

“Cyprus has a lot to say on this issue. During our EU presidency, we could focus on incentives for small island states that are most affected but do not directly contribute to sea level rise and coastal erosion,” Theodosiou said.

Although Cyprus has not signed the protocol, the environment department states that it is still legally binding, as EU ratification made it applicable to all member states.

UNOC3 will take place in Nice from June 9 to 13, with President Nikos Christodoulides representing Cyprus. The conference will tackle several ocean-related challenges, including coastal protection, maritime industry decarbonisation, and sea level rise.

Meanwhile, the EONIOS consortium, including two Cypriot companies, will host an event to showcase its groundbreaking work on the world’s first autonomous underwater drone system.

The UN agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction, commonly known as the BBNJ agreement, was signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on behalf of the EU in 2023.The treaty aims to conserve and manage 30 percent of the world’s land and sea areas by 2030.

As of March 2025, the agreement had been signed by 112 countries and ratified by 21. It will only enter into force once 60 countries have ratified it, becoming legally binding 120 days later.

The BBNJ agreement should not be confused with the “30 by 30” initiative. While both share a 2030 target and a focus on ocean conservation, “30 by 30” is a global goal to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and oceans. Endorsed by various organisations, including the UN, it aims to establish protected areas but is not a legally binding treaty – rather, it is a broad environmental ambition designed to guide global conservation efforts.