Events

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, a powerful message came out: “to protect our oceans, we must start on the land”. This isn’t just another slogan it’s a guiding principle rooted in science, experience, and necessity.

The “source-to-sea” approach, one of the conference’s central themes, provides a roadmap for connecting the dots between what happens upstream in our rivers, cities, and farms, and what ultimately flows into the sea. It’s a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and emphasizes that meaningful ocean conservation can’t happen without tackling land-based sources of pollution, unsustainable water management, and climate stress. This approach is particularly crucial for rivers and lakes that cross national borders, as impacts and solutions often involve multiple countries. However, as presented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) - Water Convention, only 43 countries have operational arrangements for 90% or more of their shared waters, and transboundary water cooperation is largely off-track.

Real-World Solutions: Morocco and Lebanon Lead the Way

This UNOC, two countries, supported by the GEF-funded Mediterranean Sea Programme, shared compelling case studies showing how a source-to-sea approach can drive tangible change. In Morocco’s Tangiers-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, local authorities are protecting groundwater aquifers while embracing low-carbon technologies to balance environmental preservation with economic development. “Water is the thread that links ecosystems, economies, and communities,” said Ikram Benchebani from Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water. “Our involvement in the Source-to-Sea framework is a solid proof of Morocco’s commitment to improving water resource management in harmony with marine and coastal ecosystems.”

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the Damour Integrated Management Plan is piloting an innovative approach through cross-sectoral governance. It unites agriculture, energy, drinking water, and ecosystems under a single strategy from the source to the sea. 

“Water is a lifeline for our communities and economy,” said Mona Fakhi of the Ministry of Energy and Water. “Our plan lays the foundation for a more resilient, equitable, and climate-aware water system in Lebanon and represents a critical step towards sustainable governance and long-term water security.”

Both countries in their own unique manner show what’s possible when land-based water management is aligned with national environmental goals and integrated into coastal and marine protection strategies.  

A Global Call to Action: We Can’t Save the Ocean Without Changing Practices on the Land

As we face growing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the trajectory is clear: protecting our ocean means transforming what we do on the land. Every river, every stream, every decision about how we use water, land, and energy contributes to the health or degradation of our seas.

The ocean begins far inland. Its future depends not only on marine policies, but on urban planning, agriculture, water governance, and community engagement. Integrated efforts like those in Morocco and Lebanon show that progress is possible when we align across sectors and borders. 

The UN Ocean Conference brought together governments, scientists, Indigenous communities, and civil society to share on-the-ground innovation and call for continued global collaboration.