Rocha de Souza presents on coral reef science and policy.Bringing Hawaiʻi‘s world-renowned expertise in coral reef science to the global stage, an outreach specialist with the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program and the UH Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology represented the International Coral Reef Society at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France this summer.
Mariana Rocha de Souza’s participation highlighted the vital role of coral reef science in shaping ocean policy and resilience strategies.
Rocha de Souza at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
“Being at UNOC was a tremendous honor and a unique opportunity to elevate the role of coral reef science in international policy conversations,” said Rocha de Souza. “Reefs are not just biodiversity hotspots—they are essential to global food security, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and livelihoods.”
Co-hosted by the governments of France and Costa Rica, the conference in June convened global leaders under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” The event brought together heads of state, ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, NGOs and civil society to assess progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and commit to tangible actions for ocean sustainability.
Throughout the conference, Rocha de Souza contributed to high-level panels, science-policy sessions and side events. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Nice Ocean Action Plan, a political declaration aimed at driving coordinated international commitments to ocean sustainability.
Rocha de Souza’s presence at UNOC reflects Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s continued leadership in linking science, community and policy to support resilient coastal and marine ecosystems.
“The world must mobilize collaborative science to protect coral reefs,” Rocha de Souza said. “I left UNOC more committed than ever to ensuring that reef research and local knowledge inform meaningful global action.”