LONDON (February 10, 2025) — Chile has been confirmed as the new co-lead of the 100% Alliance, an international campaign urging all coastal and ocean states to commit to the sustainable management of 100% of their national ocean areas. As the world prepares for a critical year in ocean action, Chile joins France in partnership with the Ocean Panel in leading this initiative, which is coordinated by World Resources Institute.
The 100% Alliance seeks to accelerate international commitments ahead of the next UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and drive progress toward 100% sustainable ocean management by 2030, advancing the critical targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
Chile has long been a pioneer in ocean sustainability. The country was among the first to ratify the UN High Seas Treaty and has already set protections for over 40% of its marine areas, surpassing the 30 x 30 conservation target — a global goal to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030, set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As a founding member of the Ocean Panel, Chile committed to 100% sustainable ocean management in 2020 and published its Sustainable Ocean Plan in 2023, a comprehensive strategy for managing the ocean’s resources while preserving marine life and ecosystems.
« Chile has a strong legacy in ocean stewardship, as demonstrated by our National Ocean Program,” said Julio Cordano, Director for Environment, Climate Change and Oceans at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “By effectively managing our own waters, we have built a solid foundation to advance sustainability both in surrounding areas and on the high seas. We look forward to working closely with our French colleagues to deepen knowledge exchange, strengthen international collaboration, and build momentum for a sustainable ocean economy. »
France warmly welcomed Chile’s appointment as co-lead of the 100% Alliance. “Chile’s commitment to 100% sustainable ocean management and leadership in marine conservation are invaluable as we work towards our shared goals, » said Ashok Adicéam, French General Delegate for UNOC and Deputy Special Presidential Envoy (France). “This collaboration comes at a critical time, as we approach the UN Ocean Conference in Nice this June. A united response is the best way to tackle challenges like overfishing, climate change, and weak governance, and we have a unique opportunity to mobilize as many commitments as possible to advance 100% sustainable ocean management worldwide. »
Momentum for 100% sustainable ocean management is growing rapidly worldwide. In October 2024, 56 Commonwealth nations adopted a declaration recognizing Sustainable Ocean Plans as a key governance tool. At COP28 in Dubai, the leaders of the Pacific Islands committed to the goal of 100% effective sustainable management in their vast ocean territories; an area five times the size of the United States. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO has also recognized the 100% approach as a crucial framework for global ocean governance.
« It’s an honor to welcome Chile as co-lead of the 100% Alliance alongside France, and we look forward to collaborating with them to achieve our shared goal of 100% sustainable ocean management, » said Tom Pickerell, Global Director of the Ocean Program, WRI. “Sustainable ocean management in one area is only truly effective if others are not left vulnerable to overexploitation. This partnership underscores the urgency of addressing today’s ocean challenges holistically through global cooperation.”
Together, Chile and France will guide the 100% Alliance in expanding its membership and accelerating global efforts to advance sustainable ocean management for a healthier, more resilient ocean economy.
