COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) starts today! 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 COP16 Latest News and Publication
COP16: What is at stake for the ocean?
What are the key issues at stake for the ocean at COP16, and why is this conference set to be a decisive moment for the future of global biodiversity? In this article, the OCP addresses these crucial questions and highlights how it will ensure the ocean is front and center in Cali.
Read the article here.
Blue Thread: Aligning National Climate and Biodiversity Strategies
On October 14, the Ocean & Climate Platform and Blue Marine Foundation, supported by several organisations, unveiled the policy brief “Blue Thread: Aligning National Climate and Biodiversity Strategies”. While countries are expected to submit new, more ambitious strategies to fight biodiversity loss and climate change, this brief explores how the ocean can provide integrated solutions to address these crises as one and the same, weaving a “blue thread” across the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
About the Ocean Breakthroughs
After a successful launch last year, the Ocean Breakthroughs campaign will be introduced at COP16. They identify five turning points to reach by 2030 to achieve a healthy and productive ocean in 2050. They aim to accelerate ocean-based action of non-state actors and governments and investments in 5 key ocean sectors, to deliver on global climate and biodiversity goals.
To discover the Ocean Breakthroughs, click here.
OCP’s COP16 Agenda
Blue Thread: Aligning National Climate and Biodiversity Strategies
22 October｜3:30-5:00 PM (COT)｜Chile Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: Ocean & Climate Platform, Blue Marine Foundation, IUCN, Ørsted, PML, The Nature Conservancy, UNSW, WWF
This side event will explore how the ocean can provide integrated solutions to address the climate and biodiversity crises as one, weaving a ‘blue thread‘ across the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Discover the programme here.
8th Summit of Subnational Governments and Cities
26 October｜5:00 – 7:30 PM (COT)｜Plenary Room / WG Room 1, Blue Zone
Organisers: ICLEI, CBD Secretariat, City of Cali
The 8th Summit of Subnational Governments and Cities will convene ministers, governors, mayors, business champions, heads of MDBs and other key stakeholders to exchange on implementation progress and resource mobilisation in line with COP16 priorities. Loreley Picourt (Ocean & Climate Platform) will provide a key update on the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition during the Special Announcements segment.
The Great Ocean-Climate Talk Show: Power the Ocean Breakthroughs
27 October｜1:30–2:30 PM (COT)｜Global Biodiversity Framework Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: Ocean & Climate Platform, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), GIZ, IOC-UNESCO, WEF, WRI, WWF
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity will celebrate Ocean Day on October 27 at the GBF Pavilion! On this occasion, join us for an engaging session focused on ocean-based solutions to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change. Discover how harnessing the full potential of the ocean can reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and boost the economy, while playing a key role in achieving the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.
Advancing the Marine Conservation Breakthrough: Connecting Global Action to Scale Nature-Based Solutions
27 October｜3:00–4:30 PM (COT)｜#ForCoral Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: UN High-Level Climate Champions, ICRI, GFCR, GMA, Ocean & Climate Platform, UN-CMS
This session will highlight the urgent need to accelerate global efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Leaders across finance, policy, and science will explore together opportunities to scale on-the-ground action to catalyse transformative change in marine ecosystem conservation and restoration. Discussions will emphasise progress made towards the achievement of the Mangrove, Coral Reef and Seagrass Breakthroughs, standing under the overarching Marine Conservation Breakthrough which aims to mobilise investments of at least 72 USD billion to secure the integrity of ocean ecosystems.
More details available here.
The Ocean-Climate Nexus and Coastal Resilience: Building a Sustainable Future
28 October｜10:45–11:45 AM (COT)｜CAF Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: CAF, IUCN, Ocean & Climate Platform, ORRAA, WHOI
This session will examine how ocean-based solutions can tackle both climate change and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on coastal resilience. Experts will introduce the Marine Conservation Breakthrough and the Coastal Risk Index, emphasizing their potential to safeguard vulnerable coastal ecosystems and communities. Discussions will explore key opportunities to accelerate investment and action in these areas, aligning efforts with the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Discover the programme here.
Bridging COP16 to UNOC3: Accelerating Marine Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Use
29 October｜10:00-11:30 AM (COT)｜EU Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: Expertise France, High Seas Alliance, IFREMER, IUCN – Great Blue Wall Initiative, National System of Conservation Areas of Costa Rica (SINAC), Ocean & Climate Platform, Rare
The Global Biodiversity Framework and the High Seas Treaty present a unique opportunity to accelerate marine biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use. This side-event will showcase synergies and complementaries between these frameworks, highlighting best practices and building momentum for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (9 – 13 June 2025).
More info here.
Securing the Future of Mangroves: The Mangrove Breakthrough for Climate Action and Sustainable Finance
29 October 2024｜11:30 AM-1:00 PM (COT)｜Conservation International Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organisers: Ambition Loop, Global Mangrove Alliance, High-Level Climate Champions, NDC Partnership
This side-event will highlight the urgent need to scale up mangrove conservation efforts, emphasising their role as nature-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and climate action.
More info here.
On October 27th, Let's Celebrate The Ocean!
Mark your calendar! On October 27, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) organises the Ocean Day at the Global Biodiversity Framework Pavilion, featuring sessions organised around the central theme of the “Ocean as the Great Connector”. It will bring together stakeholders from around the world who are engaged in important work on research, planning, conservation, and the sustainable use of the ocean at all levels, from global to regional, national, and local. It will connect stakeholders from governments, international organisations, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society, the private sector and the science community.
Discover the details of the programme here.
Join the “Nature Is Also Blue” Campaign
Join us to share the message that ‘Nature Is Also Blue’! This campaign aims to ensure that ocean biodiversity remains a top priority at COP16, pushing for strong commitments to protect the High Seas, polar waters, and deep-sea ecosystems that are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
More information here.