COP28 is just around the corner! The Ocean & Climate Platform (OCP) will once again be actively engaged in advocating for the ocean-climate nexus, and participate in numerous events, which you can find in this article.
OCP’s COP28 AGENDA
Ocean-Climate High-Level Reception – 30 November 2023, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, IUCN Pavilion, Blue Zone
International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Ocean & Climate Platform, The Ocean Race and the UN Climate Change High Level Champions are organising an Ocean-Climate High-Level Reception to place the ocean front and centre at the very beginning of COP28.
Discover the programme here.
“Climate-Forward Ocean Conservation Strategies to Deliver on Global Targets” – 1 December, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (GST), Nature Pavilion, Blue Zone
This side-event will highlight conservation strategies for a resilient, nature-positive, and carbon-neutral future – notably leveraging the Ocean, Mangrove, and Coral Reefs Breakthroughs. It will also emphasise the synergies between the climate and biodiversity realms, along with the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3).
Discover the programme here.
“Sea’ties: At the frontline of coastal adaptation” – 6 December, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (GST), Ocean Pavilion
Sea level rise projections conceal many uncertainties, including time scales or regional variations. Yet, up to a billion people could be living in coastal cities – at risk from sea level rise and its impacts by 2050. This side event organised by OCP, SPREP, the PCCC and FMDV will address the pillars of sustainable coastal adaptation for cities: knowledge, solutions, equity and finance. Experts will share good practices from regional perspectives, as well as challenges and ways forward.
Info and livestream here. Discover the provisional agenda here.
“The Rise of Ocean Governance” – 8 December, 8:00 – 9:00 AM (GST), Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone
The Ocean & Climate Platform, together with the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, the High Seas Alliance and the RISE UP Coalition will host the side event to celebrate recent and significant achievements in Ocean Governance – from the UNFCCC to the High Seas Treaty and the protection of the Deep Sea. This event will also take a look at resulting opportunities to enhance synergies across relevant conventions and in the run-up to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
Discover the agenda here.
“Blue Carbon Coastal Wetlands in Climate Action: Taking Stock of Nature- Based Solutions in Practice” 8 December, 6:30 – 8:00 PM (GST), SE Room 6
This event focuses on the implementation and updating of commitments made by states to conserve and restore carbon ecosystems. It will be the occasion for the OCP to present the final version of its analysis of revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The event will be followed by a Cocktail Reception.
Discover the agenda here.
ON DECEMBER 9TH, LET’S CELEBRATE OCEAN ACTION DAY! MP-GCA OCEAN & COASTAL ZONES EVENTS AGENDA
“Nature first: from land to ocean, our best ally for climate action” – 9 December 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (GST), Arena 1 (Al Hur), Climate Action Zone
For the first time, the Marrakech Partnership on Ocean & Coastal Zones will team up with their counterpart from Land Use to organise a joint Action Event at COP28. The event will showcase remarkable initiatives across land and ocean spearheaded by a multiplicity of non-state actors to reverse biodiversity decline by 2030, increase ecosystem and human resilience to climate change, and achieve a sustainable balance within planetary boundaries.
“Powering Ocean Breakthroughs through sustainable ocean planning” – 9 December, 2:00 – 3:30 PM (GST), Al Waha Theatre, Presidency Zone
This event is co-organised by the COP28 Presidency, UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, High Level Panel for Sustainable Economy and the Ocean & Climate Platform. It will cast a spotlight on the ocean and underscore country commitments toward the goal of achieving 100% Sustainable Ocean Management through the development and implementation of Sustainable Ocean Plans, which are integral to powering the Ocean Breakthroughs. Participants will showcase ocean-based climate solutions to reduce the emissions gap between current and future emissions by up to 35 percent on a 1.5°C pathway, as well as to strengthen food security, energy capacity, and local livelihoods through enhanced climate action.
“Accelerating Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience: Financing and Policy Tools” – 9 December, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (GST), Lab 1 (Al Shaheen), Climate Action Zone
This Implementation Lab is organised by the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) in partnership with Conservation International (CI) and the Ocean & Climate Platform. This roundtable will discuss how to accelerate the implementation of nature-based solutions for coastal adaptation and resilience at scale, including financing, investment and policy pathways. The Lab will identify next steps needed for building the next generation of resilient infrastructure to reduce flood risk in coastal zones and to protect climate vulnerable coastal people.
Discover the program here.