Week 2 at COP16 Colombia: Ocean Highlights and Next Steps

Date: 30th October 2024

As the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) enters its high-level segment in Cali, Colombia, discussions on marine and coastal biodiversity are moving forward, with key topics progressing toward potential adoption in plenary.

Marine Lecerf from the Ocean & Climate Platform shared her insights into the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities: The Contact Groups have concluded negotiations on the two marine papers but brackets persist in both. The Working Group session scheduled to review the papers ran over and the marine issues were delayed until the 30th.

In relation to the EBSA (Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas) paper, there is only one bracket remaining around synergies with the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) process. While this is an important paragraph, it’s not essential for advancing future work on the high seas. However, the situation is more complex in the Programme of Work paper, where many brackets and several points of contention still remain unresolved. 

One of the week’s standout moments was Ocean Day, held on October 27. Attendees from the ocean community gathered to celebrate and emphasise the ocean’s role within the COP16 agenda and planet. Joseph Appiott from the CBD Secretariat closed the event by noting the energy and focus the ocean community brought to this year’s discussions on marine issues, remarking that “although it was not crafted to be an ocean COP, the ocean community made it an ocean COP.”

Looking ahead, Marine Lecerf expressed hope that ocean issues will feature prominently in the upcoming biodiversity and climate change discussions, recognising the ocean’s essential role in climate and biodiversity solutions. She shared her optimism for further high-level attention on marine issues, particularly through the biodiversity and climate change discussions set for October 30.

As high-level discussions continue, these collaborative efforts underscore the commitment to advancing marine and coastal biodiversity within COP16’s broader agenda, positioning ocean health as a central element of global biodiversity goals.

For more on Marine Lecerf’s perspectives, read her insights on What’s at Stake for the Ocean at COP16 to understand the key issues driving ocean advocacy at this pivotal conference.

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