As the ocean community gathers in Cali, Colombia, for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the stakes for the ocean could not be higher. This moment represents an urgent turning point for marine and coastal biodiversity, especially as we have just six years left to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). But what does this mean for the ocean, and why is it crucial for the ocean community to take action now?
We spoke with Marine Lecerf from the Ocean & Climate Platform about the key priorities for ocean governance and the critical role the ocean plays in tackling both climate change and biodiversity loss.
1. Moving from Targets to Action
The Kunming-Montreal GBF, adopted two years ago, has established ambitious targets to protect biodiversity, including the protection of marine ecosystems. But as Marine pointed out, “We only have six years left to implement it.” The time to act is now. Countries need to focus on implementing the robust guidance already in place while identifying gaps and areas needing further attention to align with the goals and targets of the GBF.
Marine highlighted the importance of including climate considerations in the revision of the work programme: “Blue carbon ecosystems, coastal adaptation, and other blue spaces must be part of the agenda.” This is an opportunity to make sure that ocean ecosystems are recognized for their role in mitigating climate change and supporting climate adaptation.
2. Ensuring Ocean Inclusion in National Strategies
As countries revise their biodiversity and climate strategies—due for submission by October 2024 for biodiversity and February 2025 for climate—Marine emphasized that “the ocean must connect the dots across both strategies, weaving a blue thread through national commitments.” This approach could ensure that ocean-based solutions are integrated into broader climate and biodiversity plans.
3. Strengthening Ocean Governance and Collaboration
One of the biggest challenges at COP16 is ensuring that ocean biodiversity is not sidelined.
We need to make sure the ocean is addressed in all discussions, not just the marine and coastal agenda item, but also in finance and monitoring frameworks,
Marine said.
The ocean must be considered an integral part of the solution, both to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change. However, to fully achieve this, it’s crucial that the solutions are designed to be both climate-smart and nature-positive. For example, we should ensure decarbonisation measures such as offshore wind and shipping support biodiversity rather than harm it. Without mitigating these impacts, the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will remain out of reach.
Marine also mentioned the collaborative efforts on the ground to amplify the ocean’s voice at COP16, including a dedicated Ocean Day on October 27 at the GBF pavilion. Coordination tables, side events, and joint communications are helping ocean advocates unite and strategize to push for greater inclusion of ocean issues in key negotiations.
What’s Next?
COP16 is a critical moment for marine and coastal biodiversity. It’s not just about setting new targets; it’s about turning promises into action. The ocean community must continue to push for stronger governance, clearer commitments, and greater integration of ocean-based solutions in global biodiversity and climate strategies.
As Marine reminded us,
Nature is also blue, and we need to ensure the ocean is part of the conversation in all areas of biodiversity protection and climate action.
Stay tuned as we continue to amplify ocean voices and advocate for meaningful progress at COP16.