The Ocean Basecamp is more than a physical space – it is a place of connection, activation, and belonging for all civil society organisations working to protect the ocean. Created by Oceano Azul Foundation, it was designed toensure that at major international ocean conferences, NGOs have their own dedicated space to meet, collaborate, communicate, and influence.

The first edition took place in 2022 during the 2nd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC2) in Lisbon, in partnership with Sciaena and Seas at Risk. Since then, the concept has grown and matured, becoming an essential platform for NGO work at key moments on the international agenda.

In 2025, the Ocean Basecamp played a central role at UNOC3, with an ambitious programme, a mobilised global network, and a new generation of voices taking the spotlight.

What to expect from the Ocean Basecamp?

Meeting Space: A place for interaction and co-creation between NGOs, international networks, young activists, and experts.

Advocacy Platform: Sessions on key topics in a variety of formats, including debates, open mic discussions, exhibitions, and workshops.

Collaboration Zone: Workspaces and meeting areas that encourage cooperation and the sharing of experiences.

Support Infrastructure: Facilities with Wi-Fi, technical resources, coffee and water stations, designed to ensure participant well-being.

UNOC3 | Next Generation: Ocean Basecamp
Two Weeks of Action, Dialogue and Global Influence

From 2 to 13 June 2025, the Ocean Basecamp reaffirmed its role as the home for civil society, hosting the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. Under the Next Generation banner, it offered a diverse programme led by NGOs from around the world, featuring working sessions, advocacy moments, exhibitions, debates, and communications activities.

The 2025 edition was an initiative of Oceano Azul Foundation, supported by international partners such as the Ocean & Climate Platform, RISE UP – A blue call to action, Seas At Risk, Fauna & Flora, and Surfrider Foundation Europe, ensuring geographic diversity, specialist knowledge, and thematic representation.

Through a strategic curation of topics — including 30×30, deep-sea mining, small-scale fisheries, coastal community rights, and High Seas Treaty ratification — the Ocean Basecamp delivered an intensive, decentralised programme with over 54 events, 10 of which were organised or co-organised by Oceano Azul Foundation.

Approximately 100 NGOs from across the globe participated, alongside 32 open-mic sessions, providing a platform for grassroots civil society organisations to showcase their work and projects. More than 4,000 participants joined the two weeks of activities.

One of the most memorable moments was the official civil society event, From Shore to Summit: Civil Society Call on Ocean Policies, held on 10 June. The event brought together representatives from international organisations and high-level guests to issue a shared call for fairer, more effective, and more representative ocean policies.

The event culminated in the official delivery of a civil society open letter during the UNOC3 Plenary, handed over by OIKOS as the representative of the various signatory organisations. This letter was developed based on contributions gathered during four global workshops organised under the COOL25 initiative.

If your organisation wants to shape the future of the planet, Ocean Basecamp is the place to be.

Partners – Second Edition

Partners – First Edition