As the world prepares for the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), to be held in Cali, Colombia from 21 October – 1 November 2024, the focus will be on shaping a plan for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This framework, adopted at COP 15, supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and charts an ambitious path for humanity to live in harmony with nature.
While much of the conversation at COP 16 will focus on terrestrial ecosystems, it is crucial that the ocean—covering more than 70% of our planet—receives the attention it deserves. This is why the ocean community is proud to bring the Nature Is Also Blue campaign to COP 16, reminding global leaders and participants that ocean biodiversity is essential to achieving the GBF’s ambitious goals.
Why Ocean Biodiversity Matters at COP 16
The Ocean is the backbone of planetary health. It regulates the climate, produces oxygen, and supports the livelihoods of billions of people. However, ocean biodiversity is under severe threat from multiple sources including overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change. Without strong, coordinated efforts, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s targets will be impossible to achieve.
The Nature Is Also Blue campaign aims to ensure that ocean biodiversity remains a top priority at COP 16, pushing for strong commitments to protect the High Seas, polar waters, and deep-sea ecosystems that are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
Nature Is Also Blue in Action
The Nature Is Also Blue campaign uses a range of creative tactics to elevate ocean biodiversity at COP 16:
- Blue Handprint Symbol: A powerful reminder that we are all linked to the ocean and that the future of our #OneOceanOnePlanet is in our hands.
- Cali Airport and Venue Activations: Visitors arriving in Cali will be greeted with 83 screens, showcasing impactful visuals that highlight ocean biodiversity.
- Blue handprint stickers placed around the COP 16 venue will remind attendees of the campaign’s message and our deep connection with the ocean.
- Blue Wristbands: Delegates and ocean advocates will wear a Blue Nature wristbands as a sign of solidarity with efforts to protect the ocean’s fragile ecosystems.
- Ocean Day Events: The campaign will be integrated into Ocean Day events at COP 16. Check out the calendar of COP16 ocean events here (link coming soon).
- Social Media Toolkit: Ocean advocates around the world can join the movement by using our social media toolkit to spread the message that #NatureIsAlsoBlue and to support a blue COP 16.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re attending COP 16 in Cali or supporting from afar, here’s how you can help promote ocean biodiversity:
- Engage on Social Media: Use our social media toolkit to share the message that #NatureIsAlsoBlue and support the push for a Blue CBD COP16.
- Wear Your Support: If you’re at COP 16, pick up a Nature Blue wristband and show your solidarity for ocean biodiversity.
- Spot the Blue Handprint: Look for the blue handprint around the venue, and take and share photos using the hashtag #NatureIsAlsoBlue—it symbolises our collective responsibility to protect the ocean.
Together, we can ensure everyone remembers that, from the High Seas to the Deep Ocean, and from the Coasts to the Poles, Nature is also Blue.
Our Partners
The Nature Is Also Blue campaign is made possible through the support of leading environmental organisations:
- Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition
- Blue Marine Foundation
- Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
- High Seas Alliance
- Greenpeace International
- The Nature Conservancy
- Ocean Climate Platform
- Oceans North
- RISE UP
Join the OneOcean Flotilla and its partners in supporting a Blue COP 16.