July 24, 2024
Welcome to the July 2024 edition of Ocean & Climate News! This issue reports on recent and upcoming international ocean and climate events, such as the Bonn Climate Conference, including the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue, the 2025 UN Ocean Conference preparatory meeting, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affair’s Special Events held in connection with the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, among others. Commentary on a recent Nature article, “To Save the High Seas, Plan for Climate Change” is included. This issue will conclude with relevant Global Ocean Forum updates.
Ocean & Climate Recent Events
Bonn Climate Conference
Climate negotiators have concluded another two weeks of rigorous talks in Bonn, Germany, focusing on global initiatives to reduce emissions and safeguard communities from climate-related risks at this year’s Bonn Climate Conference (60th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies or SB 60). Finance was a major theme of this year’s conference, with nations expected to reach an agreement at COP29 on a new global climate-finance goal which will come into play in 2025. Loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, just transition, international carbon markets, the Global Stocktake (GST), Nationally Determined Contributions and the related raising of climate ambition were all among discussion topics in Bonn as well, to varying degrees of productivity and success.
In particular, the 2024 Bonn Climate Conference provided the first opportunity for follow-up discussion regarding the Global Stocktake since COP28 in December 2023. It was hoped that Bonn would foster discussion on how parties can implement elements of the GST decision. Unfortunately, not much progress was made, and delegates were left feeling that the GST will not lead to “course correction” as was hoped. Discussions on the GST ultimately were entrenched in disagreements – an outcome similar to that of discussions on the mitigation work progamme, Global Goal on Adaptation, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) research needs. Overall, progress was hard to pin down and mostly centered on the launch of review processes. A detailed summary report from the conference published by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is available here.
With the Bonn climate talks now concluded – and their outcomes described as “modest” – focus will pivot to the road to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which will take place from 11 to 22 November 2024.
Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue
Led by co-facilitators Mr. Niall O’Dea (Canada) and Mr. Julio Cordano (Chile), this year’s Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue focused on marine biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience and technology needs for the ocean – climate action, including finance links. The two-day dialogue (11-12 June 2024) included high-level opening remarks, expert panels, breakout group discussions, panel discussions, Q & A, and plenary statements by Parties and observers on ways forward and further strengthening ocean-based action. SBSTA Chair Harry Vreuls recalled that the first GST encouraged further strengthening of ocean-based climate action while Executive Secretary Simon Stiell underlined that the February 2025 deadline for submission of updated NDCs presents an opportunity to push for greater coastal and marine adaptation and mitigation efforts. He said experiences shared at the Dialogue can enhance countries’ understanding of what is needed, highlighting the need for finance, technology, and innovation. Of particular note to the GOF, with its newly strengthened goal to reduce siloes and support an integrated approach, Kevin Magron, who is co-host of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, noted that the Conference will focus on ocean-climate-biodiversity linkages and aims to showcase how international conventions such as the UNFCCC can successfully mainstream a holistic approach to addressing the ocean.
Panel discussions on Day 1 touched upon on: 1) mechanisms to track the extent and distribution of nutrients and plastic pollution in the ocean; 2) the recently adopted Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction; 3) approaches such as ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, integrated coastal zone management, and adaptive management; 4) the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s Blue and Green Islands Integrated Program that supports small island developing states (SIDS) in valuing ecosystem services; 5) the partnership between the GEF and the International Maritime Organization to address the issue of invasive aquatic species introduced via biofouling; and, 6) ongoing work by the Technology Executive Committee on early warning systems and artificial intelligence.
Day 2 of the Dialogue featured speakers and participants who highlighted: 1) mangrove restoration and nature-based seawalls, which protect against erosion, sequester carbon, and serve as habitat for many species; 2) the need to scale up options to implement ocean-based renewable energy and decarbonize the maritime industry; 3) the role of Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities, and the need to protect their rights by implementing free, prior, and informed consent; and, 4) the importance of viewing the ocean as intrinsically valuable, not only as a solution to climate change. A detailed summary of the dialogue from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is available here.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory SB60 Side Event: Ocean-Climate-Society & Conventions
It is widely recognized that achieving climate goals under UNFCCC requires efforts across conventions. During the side event ‘Ocean-Climate-Society & Conventions: adaptation, mitigation, governance opportunities & challenges’ held on 11 June 2024 at the June Climate Change meeting in Bonn, experts identified and discussed opportunities, barriers and requirements concerning ocean issues, including examples where coordination of actions would benefit the achievement of common goals.
The event brought together a range of different angles to ensure a rounded discussion, with the high-level addresses touching on the integration of the ocean across the UNFCCC processes and the coordination and science diplomacy for aligning ocean ambition on climate goals. The panel discussion and audience engagement looked at climate policy ocean across conventions, aquatic foods across global fora, the role of social sciences in supporting cross-convention ocean-climate collaboration, the support of human rights across the conventions and what is needed to leverage public and private financing for a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.
The event was co-organised by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Chile, Connecticut State University System, International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (WorldFish), University of Strathclyde (One Ocean Hub) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The slides and the programme overview with details of the speakers can be found here and the slides here. For more information about the event, please contact Thecla Keizer (tke@pml.ac.uk).
Bonn Climate Change Conference: Perspective on Ocean Outcomes
By Matt Frost, Head of International Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
The 60th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) – the ‘Bonn Climate Change Conference’ took place in Bonn, Germany from 3 to 13 June 2024. Whilst the conference as a whole focused on a range of issues including lessons learned from the Global Stocktake and wrestled with the key issue of finance, with the ocean featured such as but not exclusive official side events and the mandated annual Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue.
The Ocean Dialogue was chaired by the two co-facilitators, Julio Cordano (Chile) and Niall O’Dea (Canada) and took place over two days from 11 to 12 June 2024. The focus was on two topics selected by the co-facilitators after consultations at the virtual informal exchange of views for the preparation of the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2024 held from 6 to 7 March 2024, with nineteen Parties and Groups of Parties and thirty-four observers and groups of observers providing oral or written input. These topics were: (1) Marine biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience, and (2) Technology needs for ocean-climate action, including finance links.
The official informal summary report of the dialogue is still being prepared ahead of being presented in conjunction with the subsequent session of the next Conference of the Parties in Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Key points emerging from the dialogue ranged from equitable and targeted resource mobilisation and capacity building (Topic 1) to appropriate policy and tools for planning (Topic 2). A more detailed informal synthesis report of the dialogue has been produced by the Ocean and Climate Platform and is available on their resources web page. Interventions and input through the breakout groups included suggestions around being even more focused in identifying topics and making sure that there is a clear roadmap to action.
Both the side events and the dialogue highlighted that there is a sense of urgency to come up with clear concrete outcomes such as a greater inclusion of ocean-based mitigation and adaptation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The other clear message is the need to break down silos and work together such as across conventions and initiatives where ocean is concerned. It was great therefore to see the dialogue being opened with presentations from representatives for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the Third UN Ocean Conference (Nice, 2025), among others. It is only when we bring these different communities and initiatives together that we will be able to deliver action in a coherent manner.
In terms of ocean focused side events, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and partners organised the “Ocean-Climate-Society & Conventions: adaptation, mitigation, governance opportunities & challenges” event on 11 June. This was well-attended, and feedback suggested the discussion was very timely and that people enjoyed seeing such a diverse range of experts and topics ranging from government experts on policy to experts on human rights.
Concerning overall outcomes, it was good to see a continued focus on the ocean through the dialogue, side events and evening receptions. However, the gathering momentum concerning the importance of the ocean is still not matched by momentum for action overall. As stated by the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in his closing speech, only “modest steps” were taken in Bonn, which means there is “a very steep mountain to climb to achieve ambitious outcomes in Baku.”
Organizational Meeting of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission 24-26 June
Following the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement on 19 June 2023, a Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement was established by the UN General Assembly through the adoption of resolution 78/272 on 24 April 2024. The organizational session of the Preparatory Commission or PrepCom convened from 24 to 26 June 2024 at UN Headquarters in New York to elect its Co-Chairs and Bureau members, adopt its programme of work, and schedule its future meetings.
The Asia-Pacific Bureau seats will be rotated among nine states for respective sessions of the Commission. A full list of Bureau members and the rotational schedule for the Asia-Pacific Group is available here.
The Bureau will be composed of 3 members from each regional group; each member would serve in their national capacity. The following nominations were received and elected:
- Asia-Pacific Group: Japan, Philippines, Singapore
- Eastern Europe Group: Latvia, Poland, Romania
- Latin America and the Caribbean Group: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Chile
- Western European and Others Group (WEOG): Belgium, Canada, Germany
- African Group: Mauritius, Sierra Leone, South Africa
Janine Coye-Felson (Belize) and Adam McCarthy (Australia) were elected as Co-Chairs of the Commission.
Several delegations delivered statements during the dialogue, including the Core Latin American Group (CLAM), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS).
A draft list of clusters that groups agenda items for discussion and support the development of a programme of work was proposed by Co-Chair Coye-Felson. A final list of three clusters was drafted to address 1) governance issues; 2) issues pertaining to the operation of the Clearinghouse Mechanism; and 3) financial rules, and financial resources and mechanism. There was a lack of consensus on the programme of work, and it was agreed that the Co-Charis would consult with the Bureau to develop a provisional programme of work on issues where there was agreement for the first COP.
Co-Chair Coye-Felson proposed the Commission will meet for two sessions of two weeks each: 14-25 April 2025 and 18-29 August 2025, pending approval by the General Assembly. An additional session in 2026 will be determined by the Secretary General in consultation with the Co-Chairs. There were no objections. In order to ensure transparency and inclusivity, future sessions will include interpretation and the translation of documents into all UN languages.
A summary report of the PrepCom prepared by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is available here.
2025 United Nations Ocean Conference Preparatory Meeting
On 2 July 2024, a preparatory meeting for the 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UN Ocean Conference) was held in New York at UN Headquarters. The meeting was co-chaired by France and Costa Rica, the two host countries for the conference.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the 10 proposals for ocean action panel themes and to consider elements for the declaration. Based on the discussions at the Preparatory Meeting, on July 3, the Co-Chairs circulated a letter in which they proposed revised themes for Member States feedback until 10 July (IISD 2024). A written statement of input to the Prep Meeting was submitted by GOF available here.
On the Road to UNOC 2025: Perspectives from the Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
By Indumathie Hewawasam and Tony MacDonald, Board Directors, Global Ocean Forum
The Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference was held on 2 July 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, New York. The meeting was chaired by the two host countries of the Conference, Costa Rica and France, and examined the themes for the Ocean Action panels and elements of the declaration, taking into consideration the call by Member States for a brief, concise, action-oriented and intergovernmentally agreed declaration.
A Background Note prepared for the meeting presented a proposal for themes of the Ocean Action panels. The 10 themes covered included sustainable fisheries; management of marine and coastal ecosystems; leveraging regional cooperation; ocean-climate-biodiversity linkages; sustainable ocean-based economies; food security; strengthening science-policy interface; implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and mobilizing finance for ocean actions. The proposed themes aim at accelerated and urgent implementation of Goal 14 by leveraging the interlinkages between Goal 14 and other Goals.
The Global Ocean Forum provided a written intervention for the meeting, which outlined recommendations for priority actions that align with a number of the Ocean Action panel themes. These actions will promote integrated, ocean-based mitigation and adaptation actions across national, regional, and international frameworks with a focus on capacity building in developing countries.
There was a general agreement on the proposed Ocean Action panel themes. However, there were numerous suggestions from Member States, IGOs and non-governmental groups for consideration of more specific issues as well as some suggested revisions to the proposed themes.
Common issues raised for consideration included the following:
- Generating political momentum for ratifying the BBNJ Agreement;
- Creating opportunities for sustainable finance;
- Capacity building for: (i) sustainable fishing and aquaculture; (ii) combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; (iii) investing in low carbon ocean economies, (iv) strengthening coastal resilience; (v) addressing all types of pollution in the ocean; and (vi) national reporting;
- Supporting Small Island Developing States to combat hurricanes and sea level rise.
- Investing in ocean science and marine technology, marine spatial planning, risk identification and early warning systems;
- Promoting public-private partnerships and small-scale businesses to protect and conserve the ocean;
- Integrating traditional knowledge in ocean policies;
- Avoiding duplication of efforts; and
- Promoting ecological governance, balancing economic growth and conservation.
There was strong support for the call for a brief, concise, and action-oriented declaration. Several delegations commented that in order to achieve intergovernmental consensus on priority ocean actions, the meeting declaration must not be inconsistent or conflict with other existing international agreements or obligations.
The preparatory meeting also provided an opportunity for networking among NGO and IGO observers as well as Member States delegations. While the space for NGO observers was noticeably full, there were empty seats in the space allocated for Member States delegations. Although attendance is not necessarily a good indicator of the level of importance that Member States render to this globally important ocean event, organizers and participants remain hopeful that the 2025 UNOC will not be overlooked among the proliferation of global ocean events planned in the next five years, all intended to promote accelerated ocean action by mobilizing the international community and working collaboratively.
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Events
In collaboration with key partners, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) held a set of high-profile special events in connection with the annual sessions of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) from 8 to 17 July 2024 to galvanize action on the SDGs across key sectors. The 2024 Special Events programme unveiled important reports and featured enlightening discussions with leaders from higher education institutions, the private sector, local and regional governments, scientists and parliamentarians, among others.
The Special Events were organized either in-person or virtual format with in-person events at the UN Headquarters in New York open to all participants of the 2024 HLPF. Find an event summary and further information about this year’s HLPF here.
Expert Dialogue on Children and Climate Change
The first Expert Dialogue on Children and Climate Change was held during the Bonn Climate Conference on 4 June 2024. This historic event marked the first instance in the 30-year history of the Convention in which the acute vulnerabilities of children are considered under the process, according to a UNICEF statement on the dialogue. The One Ocean Hub assisted with the preparation and facilitation of the Expert Dialogue as part of the Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative, and a summary of the discussion and key resources stemming from the dialogue is available here.
New Paper on the High Seas Treaty and Opportunity for Climate Change Adaptation
In a new paper, scientists detail how the new High Seas Treaty can help protect marine species within the warming waters of a changing ocean. The paper – “To save the high seas, plan for climate change” – outlines why and how the High Seas Treaty on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has the unique opportunity to factor climate-driven marine changes into its implementation framework. As governments prepare for the Treaty’s entry into force, the scientists argue that critical questions must be considered on how best to define and implement high seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly for migratory species whose habitats and migration patterns are shifting due to warming waters, changing ocean currents and altered food webs.
For more information on the paper and to read the full press release, please see here.
Additional Upcoming Ocean Events in 2024-2025
In addition to those events detailed above, there will be several major ocean events to look forward to in 2024 and 2025, including the following:
- 12th Annual World Congress of Ocean, 12-14 November 2024, Singapore
- UNFCCC COP29, 11-22 November 2024, Azerbaijan
- UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June 2025, France
Global Ocean Forum News
Virtual Ocean Pavilion at COP29
The Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory are delighted to announce that there will be a fourth Virtual Ocean Pavilion to run throughout the duration of UNFCCC COP29. A preview event will be held just before COP29 takes place in Azerbaijan.
The co-organizers of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion are now actively looking for sponsors, partners, and exhibitors to collaborate on this year’s events. Please get in touch with Miriam Balgos (mbalgos@globaloceanforum.com) or Thecla Keizer (tke@pml.ac.uk) to find out more.
The Virtual Ocean Pavilion is an online platform dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean and showcasing why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet. With the COP29 pavilion, the organizers and sponsors continue to encourage a wide range of involvement to reach those that cannot attend COP29 in-person. These efforts will provide access to a long-lasting resource for all, democratizing access to the ocean at COPs while increasing knowledge – leaving no one behind.
The Pavilion for COP29 will enable engagement with and visibility of ocean-related issues to augment the in-person COP experience through interactive features. Some of these features include:
- Panel sessions focusing on key messages emanating from the High-Level Climate Change Champions, Ocean Breakthroughs, other MP-GCA initiatives, and the 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to provide input to these discussions;
- A wide variety of exhibits, including booths showcasing national and international initiatives on ocean and climate;
- Multiple opportunities for networking and developing synergies among attendees;
- Educational resources shared through virtual exhibit booths, Treasure Trove, and other areas throughout the virtual platform;
- A gateway to ocean and climate stories from around the world;
- Links to other ocean events at and around the COP.
This year’s preview event for the Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be organized as a virtual side event of the East Asian Seas Congress to be held from 6-8 November 2024 in Xiamen, China. The event will focus on the opportunities presented by the BBNJ Agreement to leverage the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and accelerate the implementation of ocean-climate action by exploring the mitigation and adaptation potential of the vast high seas. The preview event will also cover what’s to come for the ocean community at COP29, providing a preview of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion and ocean events at COP29 more generally. Speakers include representatives from the High Seas Alliance and IOC-UNESCO, among others.
For more details about how to get involved in the Virtual Ocean Pavilion, please contact Miriam Balgos (mbalgos@globaloceanforum.com) and Thecla Keizer (tke@pml.ac.uk). For more information on past Virtual Ocean Pavilions, see the COP26, COP27 and COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion web pages, or view their summary reports, available here.
The Virtual Ocean Pavilion was launched during the UNFCCC COP26 (held in Glasgow, 31 October – 12 November 2021). A second was organized during COP27 (held in Sharm El Sheik, 6 – 18 November 2022), and a third was organized at COP28 (held in Dubai, 30 November – 12 December 2023).
Cross-sectoral Project Updates
The Cross-sectoral Project is moving into its second year of implementation. Following the regional stakeholder dialogues held in May, the project is finalizing 18 national ABNJ profiles and two regional ABNJ profiles as part of a capacity needs assessment to evaluate existing capacity for cross-sectoral ABNJ management and governance in the Southeast Pacific and the Pacific Islands region. The information gathered through this baseline analysis can also support country efforts for ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. As part of the capacity needs assessment, the project will also complete a job analysis, population analysis, and validation workshop for each pilot region.
The project is currently accepting responses to a user needs survey to solicit input for the development of an ABNJ governance platform. This platform will provide a centralized information hub for actors (governments, international organizations, sectoral bodies, etc.) to access the best available information on ocean governance to support improved cross-sectoral cooperation and coordination in ABNJ. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through 31 July 2024.
Ms. Eugenia Merayo Garcia of Natural Capital Solutions was hired as the Cross-sectoral Project Gender Specialist to support and promote the incorporation of gender dimensions in the implementation of years 1 and 2 project activities.
Cross-sectoral Project Manager Miriam Balgos conducted the first project coordination mission in Suva, Fiji from 8 to 12 July. Ms. Balgos participated in a Pacific Regional BBNJ Workshop organized by the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) from 8 to 11 July and connected with representatives from 12 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries, three regional bodies (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, The Pacific Community, Forum Fisheries Agency), and civil society to introduce the Project and invite their collaboration. She met with Pacific Islands project partners University of the South Pacific and OPOC on 12 July to discuss action items to advance national and regional stakeholder engagement with the Project and next steps on capacity needs assessment activities in the region.
Prepared by Catie Mitchell, Sarah Davidson, and Miriam Balgos