The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, announced the creation of five new marine protected areas along the Spanish coast. This decision will raise the percentage of protected marine areas in Spain to twenty five point seven percent, exceeding the target of twenty five percent set for two thousand twenty five. Sánchez made the announcement during a speech at the United Nations Oceans Conference held in Nice, France on the ninth of June.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the oceans in regulating the climate and warned against the consequences of inaction. He reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to protect marine biodiversity and mentioned a future target of thirty percent protection by the year two thousand thirty.

In addition to the announcement regarding marine areas, Spain will contribute eight point five million euros to the Mediterranean Blue Fund, becoming the largest donor of this initiative. This move illustrates Spain’s commitment to cooperative efforts in addressing ocean governance and sustainability.

Sánchez also advocated for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining activities until appropriate regulations are established and emphasised the need for a strong agreement to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans. He asserted that the future of humanity depends on acting now to preserve the climate memory held by our oceans.