The Republic of Korea and Panama have made history by becoming the first countries to officially join the 100% Alliance, pledging to sustainably manage 100% of their ocean areas under national jurisdictions. This announcement was made during the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, marking a significant advance in the global push for ocean health and sustainable economic practices. The 100% Alliance, which is supported by Chile, France, the Ocean Panel, and coordinated by the World Resources Institute (WRI), invites all coastal and ocean states to commit to sustainable management of their waters by 2030.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and contributes to the 30×30 target outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to protect at least 30% of global land and ocean by 2030. Korea, now co-hosting the next UN Ocean Conference in 2028, continues to assert its leadership in ocean governance. After successfully launching its Blue Korea Action Plan, with an investment of $2.65 billion across 76 ocean initiatives, Korea has ratified the High Seas Treaty, underscoring its commitment to marine protection both within and beyond its territorial waters.
Sung-Bum Kim, Deputy Minister for Marine Policy, emphasized Korea’s experience in managing competing priorities in ocean policy. Panama has also made impressive strides, becoming the first Latin American country to protect over half of its national waters, exceeding the 30×30 goal ahead of schedule. Minister of Environment Juan Carlos Navarro expressed pride in joining the 100% Alliance, reinforcing Panama’s dedication to ocean protection through science-based policies.
The new alliance members are tasked with developing Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs), which are comprehensive strategies for managing ocean resources sustainably while engaging local communities and Indigenous peoples. Recognition of SOPs has been solidified in various international declarations, emphasizing their importance for effective ocean governance. Dr. Tom Pickerell of WRI noted that these commitments signal a growing global movement toward sustainable ocean practices, urging other nations to follow suit.