Ocean & Climate News

22 December 2025

Welcome to the December 2025 edition of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean & Climate News. This issue focuses on the UNFCCC COP30 held in Belém, Brazil (10 to 21 November 2025), its significant outcomes, perspectives on ocean outcomes from youth ocean leaders, highlights from the Global Ocean Forum’s participation at COP30, and the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. The issue will also provide a status update on the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project and will close with other relevant ocean and climate news. In the spirit of the giving season, please consider donating here to support the Global Ocean Forum’s ongoing mission to promote good governance of the ocean, healthy marine ecosystems, and sustainable development.

COP30 Key Outcomes

These outcomes are summarized from reporting by the Ocean & Climate Platform and the Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, expectations coming into the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil (COP30) were high. Geopolitical tensions around the world reached new levels leading up to COP30, creating a difficult backdrop for critical global climate cooperation. Notably, 2024 was confirmed to be the warmest year on record at about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. While Parties reaffirmed their commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, the new climate plans submitted still place the world on a 2.3-2.5°C trajectory and Parties were unable to reach agreement on a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.

The COP30 Presidency set out to make COP30 the “COP of Truth.” With the submission of new, more ambitious national climate plans after the first-ever Global Stocktake, Brazil President Lula was determined to combat disinformation in defense of climate science. Building on the Global Initiative for information integrity on Climate Change, COP30 elevated for the first time the issue of climate change information integrity.

Before the Conference started, various groups and countries proposed, in total, no less than eight items for inclusion on the already packed negotiations agenda. The Brazilian COP30 Presidency managed to successfully launch substantive negotiations on the understanding that it would hold Presidency consultations on four of these items: implementing developed countries’ finance obligations under Paris Agreement Article 9.1; unilateral trade-restrictive measures; responding to the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); and biennial transparency reports to address the 1.5°C ambition and implementation gaps. These bundled consultations eventually led to the adoption of the “Mutirão” decision, the central agreement, named after the Tupi-Guarani term for collective community work, aiming to unite global efforts for climate action beyond traditional government talks by engaging civil society, businesses, and local governments. Many delegations advocated for some form of reference to fossil fuel phaseout in this context, possibly in the form of developing roadmaps. But neither this nor provisions on halting and reversing deforestation, which also enjoyed wide support, made it into the adopted decision.

As stewards of nature, Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) were recognized as key actors at COP30. The Brazilian Presidency sought to engage these local actors, mobilizing the largest Indigenous delegation in UNFCCC history and placing Indigenous rights, leadership and knowledge at the center of negotiations. However, this ambition faced several constraints. Only 14% of Indigenous applicants obtained Blue Zone accreditation, triggering protests and confrontations, and logistical challenges such as accommodation prices, further restricted their participation. Efforts to strengthen representation stalled, leaving many feeling that a milestone in visibility did not translate into meaningful inclusion into political outcomes.

At a time when the world faces growing commitment fatigue, the Ocean Breakthroughs Dashboard was launched at COP30 to track tangible progress against the Ocean Breakthroughs, which are transformative pathways for five ocean sectors—marine conservation, ocean renewable energy, shipping, aquatic food, and coastal tourism—launched under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action to accelerate ocean-based climate and nature solutions. This online tool marks an important step toward bridging the gap between political ambition and measurable implementation. It provides a transparent, data-driven snapshot of how ocean-based actions are contributing to climate and nature goals and translates complex data into clear, actionable insights, helping governments, businesses, and civil society understand where progress is on track, where gaps remain, and where additional action can make the greatest impact.

The path to the 1.5°C remains fraught with uncertainties, especially on fossil fuel phaseout and the delivery of urgently needed finance. Yet, when it comes to ocean-based climate action, the international community is now equipped with clear, actionable steps before 2028 (i.e. the next Global Stocktake) with the Blue NDC Implementation Taskforce, a global group of countries, co-led by Brazil and France, formed at COP30 to accelerate integrating ocean-based solutions into national climate plans (NDCs) for stronger climate action driving political will on the one hand, and the Blue Package, which is a major initiative to fast-track ocean-based climate solutions, acting as a roadmap catalyzing action from civil society on the other.

COP31, despite its unconventional configuration, could provide a key opportunity to further elevate the ocean within the climate agenda, with the conference to be hosted by Türkiye in the coastal city of Antalya, the negotiations presided by Australia, and a pre-COP organized in the Pacific. Indeed, Australia has long announced its ambition to have a focus on the challenges faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States who have been driving the ocean-climate agenda for years. Moving forward, the global actors must come together to promote transformative, systemic change that addresses the root causes of the climate and biodiversity crises.

Perspectives on the Ocean Outcomes of COP30

By Esther Maina, Country Coordinator, Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network and Aygün Karlı, Research Assistant – Atılım University Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Türkiye

Beyond Promises: A Youth Vision for the Ocean Outcomes of COP30

The outcomes of COP30 in Belém undeniably marked a turning point for the ocean-climate nexus. The sheer visibility of the Blue Amazon narrative and the integration of ocean mandates into the Global Stocktake demonstrated that the world finally recognizes the ocean as a critical climate regulator. However, from a youth perspective, we look at these achievements and ask what could have been if youth were architects of this process rather than just symbols of hope.

The potential for stabilizing the shaky global ocean equilibrium lies not just in acknowledging the ocean’s role but in empowering the generation that will steward it. We urge leaders to recognize that hope alone cannot halt acidification or rising seas. It requires the courage to dismantle exclusionary systems. We celebrate the diplomatic progress. Yet we envision a COP where youth agency moves beyond the hope and wonder narrative to become a central pillar of implementation.

The Blue Economy as a Vehicle for Justice

At COP30, the adoption of the Global Mutirão and the launch of the Blue NDC Implementation Taskforce were significant victories. Yet they reveal a missed opportunity to fully align economic ambition with social equity.

Imagine if the blue economy frameworks adopted here had been designed with blue justice as their founding principle. We could have seen a Blue Package that prioritized the rights of coastal communities and intergenerational equity alongside offshore energy. Our perspective is one of potential. We believe these frameworks can and must evolve to serve justice as effectively as they serve growth. This means integrating local knowledge systems into national planning so that the stewards of the coast are not displaced by the industries meant to save it.

Bridging the Nexus: Biodiversity, Finance, and Ambition

This vision of justice extends to the biodiversity-climate nexus. While COP30 referenced nature-based solutions, the synergy between ocean and biodiversity governance remains inadequately operationalized. For young people, while our visibility was strong, access to negotiation rooms remains uneven. This reinforces concerns that participation is still more consultative than decision-shaping.

A critical fault line persists in finance and ambition. Despite calls to scale adaptation finance and operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, commitments remain largely voluntary. For youth in climate-vulnerable regions, this finance gap is not abstract. It is a barrier to community-led action. Without direct access to these funds, the most innovative youth-led solutions remain unfunded ideas rather than scalable realities. Furthermore, the absence of a clear roadmap to phase out fossil fuels signals a misalignment with the compounding injustices we experience on the ground.

Call to Action

COP30 confirmed that the ocean now has political visibility. The challenge ahead is to turn that visibility into lasting and equitable action. The future of our blue planet depends on shifting from consultation to policy co-creation and from disconnected frameworks to integrated governance. We are ready to move from ambition to implementation together.

The Global Ocean Forum at UNFCCC COP30

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

From 3 November to 21 November 2025, 2,500 registrants representing more than 150 countries signed up for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. In its fifth iteration, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion is a free online platform dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean and demonstrating why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet. Co-organized by the Global Ocean Forum, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and Ocean Generation, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion was developed as a tool to increase transparency and equitable access to discussions during the United Nations Climate Change Conference while increasing knowledge, commitment, and action at the ocean-climate nexus.

Building on the momentum from its past iterations, the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion promoted cross-sectoral cooperation on ocean-climate action in partnership with over 30 collaborating organizations. The Pavilion also highlighted opportunities provided by the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) to leverage the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and accelerate the implementation of ocean-climate action.

*Overview of the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Lobby*

Attendees stepped into the Pavilion’s interactive virtual lobby, greeted by ocean vistas and the backdrop of Belém, Brazil. From this central area, participants could navigate the platform and access features including:

22 live events
13 exhibition booths
168 COP30 ocean-related events featured in the COP30 overview
11 youth-led interviews with ocean-climate experts
A daily “Treasure Trove” of information and trivia
A film premiere, key message dissemination, striking artworks, and more

*Overview of the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Exhibition Hall*

A comprehensive summary report of the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be published in early 2026 and made available on this page. The report will incorporate feedback from a post-event survey, which is crucial for improving future iterations of the Pavilion. All participants and collaborators are strongly encouraged to complete the survey to ensure their input is included.

The collaborative efforts of our generous partners make the Pavilion possible each year, and the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion team is incredibly grateful to our Co-organizers and Partners who ensured this year’s Pavilion was a success. Looking ahead to UNFCCC COP31, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion will return for its sixth iteration. If you are interested in supporting the development of the Pavilion or its activities, please contact Miriam Balgos and Thecla Keizer.

*Partners that Supported the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

2024-2025 Report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report)

The Global Ocean Forum (GOF) released the 2024-2025 edition of the Roadmap to Oceans and Climate Action report (ROCA Report), Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action, on 14 November 2025. The formal launch was celebrated with an event at the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion featuring two panel discussions from select report co-authors. A recording of the launch event is available here.

*Panelists and Event Organizers during the Virtual Launch of the 2024-2025 ROCA Report during the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

The 2024-2025 ROCA Report is a collaborative, multi-organizational effort, involving 70 authors from 45 organizations, and serves as a crucial resource for party negotiators and non-Party stakeholder representatives attending UNFCCC COP30. The report comprehensively takes stock of progress in implementing the ocean and climate agenda at the COP, across other global policy platforms and processes, and through regional and national initiatives. The report identifies gaps in information and policy that require attention and provides recommendations for future action at a critical time for the ocean-climate nexus.

Access the full report and find more details on the ROCA website here.

Official UNFCCC COP30 Side Event

The Global Ocean Forum led the organization of an official COP30 side event on Strengthening capacities to enable beneficial interplay among climate, nature, and human systems, held on Wednesday, 19 November from 11:30 to 13:00 Brasilia Time (GMT-3) in Side Event Room 1 of the Blue Zone. This event was co-organized by the Urban Coast Institute-Monmouth University; Nausicaa Centre National de la Mer, France and World Ocean Network; and Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.

*Panelists and Members of the Organizing Team Following the Official UNFCCC COP30 Side Event*

This panel discussion explored the opportunities and challenges of innovative conservation and sustainable use efforts that:

Address climate change and biodiversity loss through enhanced capacity building and harmonized governance frameworks.
Strengthen the contribution of ocean ecosystems to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Panelists shared information on proven practices and valuable insights derived from recent and ongoing innovative efforts that aim to strengthen the contribution of ocean ecosystems to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Why the ocean matters in climate negotiations

Representatives from Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Partnership for the Observation of the Global Ocean Society at the Official UNFCCC COP30 Exhibition Booth co-organized with the Global Ocean Forum

The Global Ocean Forum (International Coastal and Ocean Organization) participated in a joint exhibition booth led by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory along with the Partnership for the Observation of the Global Ocean Society (POGO) and University of Plymouth. For the fourth consecutive year, the booth at the COP30 focused on “Why the Ocean Matters in Climate Negotiations.” This exhibit highlighted the ocean’s crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation amidst growing impacts. The ocean is critical to all life on our planet and must be fundamentally included in global climate negotiations.

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

The Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project is now in its third year of implementation. The Project is finalizing a capacity needs assessment on cross-sectoral management and governance of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) in the Southeast Pacific and the Pacific Islands region. The results of this capacity needs assessment will inform the development of a training program for government officials in the project pilot regions focused on developing skills to support cross-sectoral ABNJ management and governance. The information gathered through this analysis can also support country efforts for ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. As part of the capacity needs assessment, the project is conducting a preliminary analysis, job analysis, population analysis, and validation workshop for each pilot region.

The wireframes of an ABNJ governance platform are under development following feedback from project partners and stakeholders, led by GRID-Arendal and the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. 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.

A self-paced e-learning course on ABNJ in English is being finalized by project partners and hosted by the Centre for Flexible Learning of the University of the South Pacific; a Spanish version will be developed and hosted by the Universidad Católica del Norte. This course will provide an overview of ABNJ issues and management with a focus on cross-sectoral governance. The course is expected to be formally launched at the Third Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement, which will be held from 23 March to 2 April 2026 in New York, New York, United States.

Ocean and Climate Events in 2026

A selection of major ocean and climate events to look forward to in 2026 are highlighted below:

Regional Legal Workshop on the Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement (participation by invitation only), 28-30 January 2026, Suva, Fiji
Ocean Sciences Meeting, 22-27 February 2026, Glasgow, Scotland
Regional Workshop for Latin American and Caribbean States on the BBNJ Agreement, 23-26 February, San Salvador, El Salvador
BBNJ Symposium, 10-12 March 2026, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Third Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement, 23 March – 2 April 2026, New York, New York, United States
Our Ocean Conference, 16-18 June 2026, Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, Kenya
OCEANS 2026, 21-24 September 2026, Monterey, California, United States
UNFCCC COP31, 9-20 November, Antalya, Türkiye
World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, 17-20 November 2026, Bruges, Belgium 2026

Meet Marea Hatziolos: Our Newest Board Member

Marea Hatziolos, who joined the Global Ocean Forum Board of Directors in October 2025, is a marine ecologist and international development specialist with over 40 years of experience working at the intersection of marine conservation and sustainable development. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Wellesley College and earned a PhD in Zoology and Ecology from UC, Berkeley. Following postdocs in Mexico and at Yale University, Marea launched a life-long career in International Development after accepting an American Association for the Advancement of Science Diplomacy fellowship at USAID. Following a decade working with USAID, Marea joined the World Bank where she advocated for the need to incorporate coastal and marine sustainability concerns into the Bank’s operations and policies. There, she led the Bank’s early work on marine biodiversity conservation, designed and led the Bank’s first transboundary marine program to sustainably manage the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, raised awareness about the ocean’s central role in the global economy and the need for policy reform across key sectors to achieve higher and sustainable returns, and worked to incorporate rights-based management into climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities. Since retiring from the World Bank, Marea remains engaged in ocean stewardship, including mentoring emerging ocean leaders and advising decision makers through her work on various boards.

Support the Global Ocean Forum

As 2025 comes to a close, the Global Ocean Forum is reflecting with gratitude on a productive year. We greatly appreciate the steadfast support of our long-time collaborators and look forward to welcoming new stakeholders and partners to our ever-expanding network in the coming year. In 2026, we will continue our persistent efforts to promote actions that encourage a healthy and resilient ocean for both people and planet.

Please consider donating to our 2024-2025 campaign of the Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Memorial Fund to enable the Global Ocean Forum to support fellows and interns, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COPs and the biennial report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report) for years to come. We also welcome donations to our general program operations that will directly support the implementation of our Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 with program development across four focal areas: Ocean & Climate, ABNJ, Blue Economy, and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management.

Prepared by Catie Mitchell and Miriam Balgos

December 22, 2025

Release of the 2024-2025 Roadmap to Oceans and Climate Action (ROCA) Report

November 14, 2025: The Global Ocean Forum (GOF) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024-2025 edition of the Roadmap to Oceans and Climate Action report (ROCA Report), Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action.

“COP30 brings a new era for climate progress, where we must shift from promises to action. The ocean is at the heart of this shift, and the report is an important tool for raising and driving forward ambition on ocean-climate action,” said the lead author of the report, Peter Ricketts, Acadia University and GOF.

Impacts of human-induced climate change have accelerated as global average temperatures continue to rise. Exceeding a global average temperature increase of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels in the near term will severely limit climate resilience development. There is growing public awareness and international recognition of the ocean as a critical life-support system for the planet, a fundamental regulator of the climate, and a central pillar of climate ambition. The report explores this pivotal role of the ocean in climate change.

“ROCA functions as a valuable transboundary document that helps scientists understand the state of the climate as it affects ocean policy, people and positive ocean action,” said report co-author Lisa Levin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

“At COP30, civil society is championing ocean-based climate solutions through the Blue Package, to move from global ambition towards concrete implementation. The ROCA report reflects the diversity of stakeholders and initiatives committed to advancing the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus,” said report co-author Loreley Picourt, Ocean & Climate Platform.

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Contact: Miriam Balgos (mbalgos@globaloceanforum.com), Global Ocean Forum

About: The Global Ocean Forum is an international, independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote good governance of the ocean, healthy marine ecosystems, and sustainable development. To learn more about the Global Ocean Forum, please visit https://globaloceanforum.com/.

November 14, 2025

Ocean & Climate News: COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Special Edition

16 September 2025

Welcome to a Special Issue of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean & Climate News focused on the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. The Global Ocean Forum is thrilled to return as the lead organizer for the fifth edition of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion (3 to 21 November) in close partnership with Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the co-founder of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion, and a new co-organizer, Ocean Generation. With support from lead partner Lloyd’s Register and Lloyd’s Register Foundation and a wide range of collaborators from around the world, this year’s Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be held in alignment with the UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil (10 to 21 November 2025).

Interested in supporting the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion? The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion co-organizers are accepting Expressions of Interest from potential partners until 30 September 2025. We welcome new ideas and creative input to help enhance the Virtual Ocean Pavilion going forward.

UNFCCC COP30

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is made up of about 200 Parties. These Parties convene yearly to review progress, negotiate international agreements, and make decisions to help combat climate change during the COP or UN Climate Change Conference. This year will mark the 30th iteration of UNFCCC COPs, and the UN Climate Change Conference will be held in Belém, Brazil from 10 to 21 November 2025 (COP30).

COP30 Thematic Program

The COP30 Presidency, led by the COP30 President-designate Ambassador Andrê Aranha Corrêa do Lago, has unveiled the COP30 Thematic Program. The program includes more than 30 interconnected themes designed to encourage global actors to contribute to real-world climate solutions. Notably, the Ocean will be highlighted on 17 and 18 November. Engagement and outreach for the ocean sector at COP30 will be led by the Special Envoy for the Ocean, Dr. Marinez Scherer. The full schedule of the thematic days is available here.

The COP30 Presidency has released this year’s priorities that aim to work together to finance developing country Parties for climate action by 2035, advance the Paris Agreement cycle and address issues in the UAE dialogue, develop a work plan by the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB) about designing holistic investment, and advancing the Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T. The President-designate further highlighted the need to collaborate and deliver results in the fight against climate change (SDG Knowledge Hub, 2025).

About the Virtual Ocean Pavilion

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion is a free, 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. First introduced during COP26, this year’s Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be the fifth annual edition of this valuable platform.

Building on the momentum of past Virtual Ocean Pavilions (COP29, COP28, COP27, and COP26), the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will continue to:

Raise the profile of the ocean among members of the ocean and climate community and the public;
Provide a communication platform for those who are unable to participate in COP30 in person from various parts of the world;
Address COP30 priorities while promoting the incorporation of the ocean into UNFCCC processes; and
Encourage cross-sectoral cooperation and collaboration on ocean-climate action at the national, regional, and global levels.

Join the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be held from 3 to 21 November 2025 with an additional period of on-demand access from 22 November to 22 December 2025. Registration is free and open to all.

In addition to the traditional Pavilion aims, this year’s Pavilion will also highlight key focal areas such as:

Collaborative initiatives involving the three Rio Conventions (the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) to promote the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus;
National and regional action focusing on the ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the opportunities it provides to explore the mitigation and adaptation potential of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ);
The outcomes of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), including those that call for leveraging ocean, climate, and biodiversity interlinkages;
The outcomes of the 2025 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue; and
The Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA) theme for Oceans and Coastal Zones as a key pathway for integrating the ocean into global climate action by promoting ocean-based climate solutions and fostering international collaboration to achieve a net-zero, resilient future by 2050.

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Features

Aligned Key Messaging

Key messages emanating from the COP30 Presidency, High-Level Climate Change Champions, Ocean Breakthroughs and other Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA) initiatives, the 2025 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue, and the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) will be formulated and promoted through the Virtual Ocean Pavilion. Communications INC and collaborating partners of the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will lead the crafting of these messages, which will be the focus of live events and roundtables. All attendees are encouraged to review, reflect, and react to the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion key messages. Continued dialogue among attendees and partners and sharing of the messaging with wider audiences is welcome.

Live Events

*High-level Closing Event of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will once again offer a series of live events featuring eminent high-level speakers from national, regional, intergovernmental, and civil society organizations, ocean and climate experts, and youth leaders from around the world. The events will address the Pavilion aims through dialogues incorporating science, finance, partnership and capacity building, public education, and collaboration with a focus on strengthening ocean and climate action as well as securing a place for the ocean in the climate negotiations.

Live events will be organized on 3, 10, 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20 November in close collaboration with COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion partners. This year, the Pavilion will once again offer Wordly translation for all live events, allowing attendees to translate the presentations and discussions into over 60 languages. Recordings of live events from past Virtual Ocean Pavilions are available on the Global Ocean Forum’s YouTube channel.

Launch of the 2024-2025 ROCA Report

The 2024-2025 Report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report) will be launched during a 90-minute live event during the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. This biennial report provides an assessment of ocean and climate science, policy, and action through contributions of over 50 co-authors from organizations around the world. Following its last publication in 2023, this volume will include a new section on ocean-based solutions to mitigation and adaptation issues successfully adopted and reported within the years covered by the report.

Exhibition Hall

Up to 12 ocean exhibition booths will be organized by leading ocean and climate organizations to showcase new and ongoing ocean-climate-biodiversity initiatives. All Pavilion attendees will be able to visit these virtual booths and access a wealth of information that can be ‘taken away’ in a virtual delegate bag via email. Archived exhibits from past Virtual Ocean Pavilions are available here.

New Permanent Exhibit: The Ocean in the UNFCCC

A new permanent exhibit on “The Ocean in the UNFCCC” will be introduced during the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion in partnership with the Ocean and Climate Platform and The Nature Conservancy, among other collaborators. This permanent exhibit will showcase the history of how the ocean has been integrated into the UNFCCC, where we are at now, and what to look forward to in the future. Reports from the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue, information on the Ocean and Coastal Zones thematic activities from the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA), ocean breakthroughs and ocean-related initiatives of the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, and links to information on UNFCCC processes that are relevant to the ocean will all be displayed. The intent of this new exhibit is to showcase exactly how the oceans are included in these processes.

Roundtable Discussions

*Roundtable Feature Launched at the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

After a successful launch during the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion, roundtable discussions are returning to the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. Roundtable discussions will be held during the live days of the Pavilion and will provide smaller, more intimate spaces where ideas on how to promote the key messages and address other ocean-climate-biodiversity themes will be equally exchanged by participants. Recordings of past roundtable discussions from the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion are available here.

Youth-Led Interviews

*Youth-led Interview from the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion with the UNFCCC Secretariat*

This year, we are excited to again showcase youth-led interviews, highlighting the voices, innovations, and leadership of young ocean advocates from around the world. These interviews provide youth representatives with the opportunity to engage in discourse with experts and negotiators on ocean-climate issues of utmost importance to current and future generations. Recordings of past interviews from the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion are available here.

Treasure Trove

The Treasure Trove is prepared daily by the Pavilion secretariat and includes the latest updates on ocean and climate happenings in and around COP30. Peruse this valuable resource to find spotlights on our interactive exhibit booths, highlights of upcoming Pavilion and COP30 events, stories from the sea, trivia, and other exciting highlights from this year’s COP. This year, Ocean Generation will be leading the Treasure Trove development with a special focus on youth activities in the ocean and climate space. Archived editions from past Virtual Ocean Pavilions are available here.

Register for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

This year, the Pavilion Team is focused on increasing participation and interaction at the Virtual Ocean Pavilion. We invite you and your networks to register today and would greatly appreciate your support in amplifying its reach by sharing the Pavilion through your own networks of colleagues, classmates, friends, and family.

Collaborate with the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

We look forward to welcoming old and new collaborating partners for the fifth iteration of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at COP30 and are always open to additional collaborators. The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Co-organizers invite Expressions of Interest for the organization of live events, exhibits, roundtable discussions, and sponsorships. Expressions of Interest are due by 30 September 2025. We welcome new ideas and creative input to help enhance the Virtual Ocean Pavilion going forward.

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Partners

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion has been supported by over 50 collaborating organizations since its COP26 inception. This year’s Pavilion is once again supported by organizations at the forefront of global, regional, national, and local efforts to promote sustainable ocean and climate initiatives.

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Team is grateful for the support of its current partners, listed below. Additional partnerships are always welcome, and any organizations interested in supporting the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion are invited to submit Expressions of Interest for the organization of live events, exhibits, roundtable discussions, and sponsorships. Expressions of Interest are due by 30 September 2025.

Co-organizers

Lead Partner

Lloyds Register and Lloyds Register Foundation, UK

Convening Partners

National Oceanography Centre, UK
Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan TBC
Nia Tero TBC

Regional Convening Partner

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Oceânicas (INPO), Brazil

Collaborating Partners

Communications INC
Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI)
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
Ocean & Climate Platform
The Nature Conservancy
The Pavilion for People
International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO)
Monmouth University-Urban Coast Institute
RISE UP
International Partnership on MPAs, Biodiversity and Climate Change
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), Brazil TBC

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Team

The Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory are collaborating once again as co-organizers of the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. This year, we welcome a new co-organizing partner, Ocean Generation, who is supporting the development and promotion of the Pavilion with a focus on youth engagement.

Our COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion team includes Miriam Balgos (Executive Director, Global Ocean Forum), Thecla Keizer (Deputy Head, International Office & International Marketing and Business Development Executive, Plymouth Marine Laboratory), Catie Mitchell (Policy Analyst, Global Ocean Forum), Will Steen (Marine Science Officer, Ocean Generation), Gemma Connell (Youth Engagement Lead, Ocean Generation), Erinn Bell (Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Ocean and Climate Change Intern, Global Ocean Forum), and Siena Zisa (Joint Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute-Global Ocean Forum Intern).

The event platform for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will be provided by vFairs.

Prepared by Erinn Bell, Siena Zisa, Catie Mitchell, and Miriam Balgos

September 16, 2025

Ocean & Climate News

15 May 2025

Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean & Climate News. This issue will focus on the outcomes of the first session of the Preparatory Commission to prepare for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement (PrepCom 1) held in New York City from 14 to 25 April 2025 with a summary and a perspective contribution from the University of Wollongong. The issue will also provide news about the 10th Our Ocean Conference, forthcoming ocean and climate events, and a status update on the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. Please consider donating here to support the Global Ocean Forum’s ongoing mission to promote good governance of the ocean, healthy marine ecosystems, and sustainable development.

First Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement

Overview of the First Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement

Summarized from reporting by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the PrepCom 1

The international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was adopted in June 2023. The BBNJ Agreement currently has 115 signatories and 21 parties. It will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposit of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession.

Many elements needed for the Agreement to become operational are not yet agreed upon. Thus, in advance of the first meeting of the Agreement’s Conference of the Parties (after it enters into force), the UN General Assembly established a Preparatory Commission or PrepCom. At an organizational meeting held from 24 to 26 June 2024, it was determined that three sessions of the PrepCom would be held through early 2026, with more possible if needed. The PrepCom is tasked with addressing the fundamental aspects that will guide the orderly implementation of the Agreement. The Co-Chairs of the PrepCom are Janine Coye Felson (Belize) and Adam McCarthy (Australia). The Agreement’s Interim Secretariat is the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UN DOALOS).

*First session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission. Photo by Catie Mitchell*.

Topics of discussion at the PrepCom 1 included the following:

Rules and procedure of the Conference of the Parties (COP);
Rules and procedure and modalities of operation of the subsidiary bodies;
Arrangements for the Secretariat, including the selection of its seat;
Funding of the Secretariat, COP, and subsidiary bodies;
Arrangements with the Global Environment Facility; and
Operationalization of the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM).

PrepCom 1 convened at UN Headquarters in New York from 14 to 25 April 2025, gathering approximately 200 representatives of governments, civil society, and intergovernmental bodies with links to the process. Delegates also held an initial exchange of views on the matters to be considered at PrepCom 2, including cooperation with other instruments, frameworks, and bodies, which is key for the smooth implementation of the Agreement. Following PrepCom 1, the Co-Chairs released a statement at the closing of the first session. An advanced, unedited version of the closing statement is available here as well as the oral reports of the Co-Chairs on the work of the Informal Working Groups delivered during the first session.

Key Takeaways and Insights from the First Session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission

By Dr. Kristine Dalaker and Dr. Sarah Lothian, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia

Delegations from around the world gathered at the UN Headquarters in New York from 14 to 25 April 2025 for the first session of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom 1) to prepare for the entry into force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP).

At the PrepCom organisational meeting in June 2024, two Co-Chairs were elected, Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Belize to the UN and Mr. Adam McCarthy, Chief Counsel and First Assistant Secretary at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During their opening remarks at PrepCom 1, the Co-Chairs emphasized that it was ‘time to go to work’ and turn the potential of the BBNJ Agreement into a reality. As PrepCom 1 discussions got underway, it became increasingly evident that the BBNJ process had moved into a critical new phase. Gone were the lengthy policy debates on the ambition for a new treaty to protect marine biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. Instead, delegations pivoted their focus to the nuts and bolts required to implement and operationalize the BBNJ Agreement.

Guided by the comprehensive documents prepared by the Co-Chairs and the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), as the BBNJ Agreement Interim Secretariat, delegations dove into the technical issues identified at the organizational meeting and formulated into the PrepCom’s Programme of Work. The BBNJ Agreement itself set out a blueprint to follow in generating three main clusters of issues to be addressed in preparation for the instrument’s entry into force, namely, (1) Governance issues; (2) Issues pertaining to the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM); and (3) Financial rules, and financial resources and mechanism.

Prior to PrepCom 1, the Co-Chairs prepared three aids for the purpose of serving as possible starting points for discussions and text-based negotiations, together with guiding questions. These documents proved exceedingly helpful to delegations in formulating national and regional positions and priorities and in drafting interventions. The guiding questions, in particular, served as an effective tool to focus the PrepCom discussions on possible areas of convergence. Ahead of PrepCom 1, the Co-Chairs had also encouraged delegates to review three notes prepared by the Interim Secretariat, which were intended to be used as background and reference points in considering the work before the Commission. It was evident from the start that delegations had heeded the Co-Chairs’ advice, engaged with the documents, and had come to the first session with a spirit of goodwill and cooperation.

Discussions on governance issues focused on the COP’s rules of procedure, the rules of procedure and modalities of operation of the subsidiary bodies, and arrangements for the Secretariat, including selection of its seat. Following the first round of discussions, the Co-Chairs generated a list of key items, which provided helpful guidance on various technical considerations. While delegations were clearly moving towards general convergence on a number of issues, it was also evident that further examination would be required and may reveal potential areas of divergence.

One issue that will require closer reflection at the second session of the PrepCom involves the extent to which Article 6 (no prejudice) and Article 18 (area of application) of the BBNJ Agreement should be incorporated into the rules of procedure of the COP. The call for the incorporation of these articles was initially made by China with the subsequent support of other delegations. This was met with strong opposition from many other delegations asserting that matters of substance should not be included in the rules of procedure. This issue served as a reminder of the distinct possibility that there may be some issues upon which the PrepCom may have difficulty reaching consensus in meeting its mandate to provide recommendations to the first meeting of the COP.

Turning to the next cluster of issues, discussions regarding financial arrangements focused on the funding of the Secretariat, the COP, and subsidiary bodies, together with the arrangements for the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Co-Chairs’ use of guiding questions was an effective tool in ventilating issues on funding. What became increasingly apparent is that the BBNJ Agreement is not unique when it comes to the establishment of financial arrangements as delegations will encounter the same challenges already played out under other multilateral environmental agreements. It was, however, encouraging to hear that several delegations had committed to making contributions to the Agreement’s voluntary trust fund to facilitate the participation of developing States in the PrepCom process.

The last cluster of issues discussed at PrepCom 1 involved the elements necessary for operationalizing an effective and fit-for-purpose CHM, one that is accessible and optimized for all users. On a positive note, delegations recognized the crucial importance of the CHM to the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement – with one delegate describing it as its “engine”. We were especially encouraged by the sheer number of creative proposals that were put forward by delegations for a phased and incremental approach to the design and building of a fit-for-purpose CHM. We also applauded their eagerness to engage with technical experts to assist in that process, together with their willingness to dedicate the necessary financial resources.

As we look ahead to the second session of the PrepCom, we expect that the Co-Chairs will seek to build on the momentum of PrepCom 1 and will work closely with the Interim Secretariat to prepare updated aids to discussions, in addition to matrixed documents that draw heavily on the elements and lessons learned from existing instruments, frameworks, and bodies (IFBs). In keeping with the second session’s Programme of Work, we fully expect that the matrixed documents will serve as the foundation for discussions on regime interaction and the arrangements necessary to enhance cooperation with relevant IFBs.

The BBNJ Agreement has been heralded as a triumph of multilateralism. In an increasingly unstable world, the first session of the PrepCom served as a welcome reminder of what can be achieved through multilateral dialogue and engagement, and we look forward to participating in and supporting this process moving forward.

Policy Brief on the First Meeting of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission

The Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) is a think tank which facilitates the transition towards sustainable development. In advance of the first meeting of the Preparatory Commission, researchers from IDDRI shared a blog post providing an overview of key issues expected to be discussed during the PrepCom. The blog post spotlighted a Policy Brief on the PrepCom co-authored by Klaudija Cremers, Julien Rochette, Elisa Coccorese, Daniel Kachelriess, and Cymie R. Payne. The brief explains the PrepCom context, mandate, and program of work and highlights key recommendations.

Ocean and Climate Events and Opportunities

10th Our Ocean Conference, Korea 2025

Since 2014, the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) has become a key forum for mobilizing sustainable ocean action and resources through voluntary commitments in six action areas: the ocean-climate nexus, marine protected areas (MPAs), sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, sustainable blue economy, and maritime security. The OOC has mobilized $133 billion in funding for ocean action over the past decade. These and other findings were highlighted in a World Resources Institute (WRI) report on a global stocktake of the OOC which assessed 10 years of international commitments to sustainable ocean action. The report was prepared to mark the conference’s 10th anniversary (WRI).

The 10th Our Ocean Conference, held in Busan, Korea on 28-30 April 2025 focused on the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Action’ to promote global actions for a sustainable ocean. This Conference primarily focused on the achievements and success stories over the past 10 years while also establishing the future direction for international cooperation over the next decade. This Conference also discussed ‘Digital Oceans’ and the means to drive action as a special focus. Digital Oceans is being considered as an implementation tool to help achieve a sustainable ocean efficiently.

Nigel Bradly, CEO of EnviroStrat and Policy Advisory Board Member of the Global Ocean Forum, shared his experience participating in the Conference via a post on LinkedIn. He reported on a side event on The Role of Marine Spatial Planning in Building Natural Capital where several interesting perspectives on the topic were shared by participants from Korea, the Philippines, Sweden, Indonesia, World Bank, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), and EnviroStrat. He mentioned that it appears while there are differences in approach, scale, outcomes and context in the practice of marine spatial planning (MSP), there are many commonalities as well, including the importance of building stakeholder and sectoral support, the crucial role of data and science to enable scenario analysis, the need for comprehensive multi-sectoral MSP, and the need to blend economic, social and environmental evidence-based prioritization and spatial allocation.

Kenya will host the 11^th Our Ocean Conference in 2026.

Call for Nominations for the Informal Advisory Group for Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas

According to the Convention on Biological Biodiversity (CBD) website, Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) are areas of the ocean that have special importance in terms of their ecological and/or biological characteristics, for example, as essential habitats, food sources or breeding grounds for particular species. The work on EBSAs under the CBD has been focused on describing and identifying such special places in the ocean.

The CBD Secretariat is inviting Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations and initiatives to nominate scientific and technical experts to serve on the informal advisory group for EBSAs. The notification is available on the CBD website here. Nominations are due by 13 June 2025.

United Nations Ocean Conference 2025

The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will be held in Nice, France from 9 to 13 June 2025. The conference is co-organized by France and Costa Rica and will bring together UN member states, their heads of state and government, international agencies, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and international donors. UNOC3 will be focused on accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean and will seek to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14).

UNOC3 has identified three main priorities to produce an ambitious Nice Ocean Action Plan: 1) work towards the successful completion of ocean-related multilateral processes to raise the level of ambition for ocean protection; 2) mobilize funding for SDG14 and support the development of a sustainable blue economy; and 3) strengthen and better disseminate marine science knowledge for better policymaking.

The Global Ocean Forum is co-organizing a Blue Zone side event in collaboration with the International Science Council, Université Côte d’Azur and other partners titled Bridging Science, Policy and Action: Enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration for inclusive and equitable ocean management and governance. The side event will be held on Friday, 13 June at 12:15-13:30 PM in Room 5 of the Blue Zone conference venue. The event will explore how co-produced, transdisciplinary science and cross-sectoral ocean governance and cooperation, involving intergenerational and cross-scale multi-stakeholders, can drive effective conservation and sustainable use.

In alignment with the Blue Zone event theme, the Global Ocean Forum launched a Voluntary Ocean Commitment in March 2025 to accelerate and contribute to the implementation of SDG14 in collaboration with the Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense, Monmouth University-Urban Coast Institute, Nausicaá National Sea Centre, Instytut Oceanologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Today We Have, EurOcean, EMBRC-BE Marine Training Unit of the Universiteit Gent, and the World Ocean Network. The Ocean Commitment, Advancing Multi-stakeholder and Intergenerational Initiatives for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Ocean, was developed in response to a call for action to mobilize stakeholder support for the overarching theme of UNOC3. Find more information about the Global Ocean Forum’s role in this voluntary commitment here.

Finally, the Global Ocean Forum is also supporting the organization of a Green Zone side event led by the World Ocean Network in collaboration with the French Biodiversity Agency with support from the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme, Youth and Environment Europe, and Nausicaá National Sea Centre. Focused on bolstering youth engagement with the BBNJ Agreement, the proposed event will feature an intergenerational dialogue featuring young ocean advocates, Early Career Ocean Professionals, government leaders and BBNJ experts. The dialogue will address the urgent need for ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement.

Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2025

The first Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue was mandated by UNFCCC COP25 and held in December 2020. The Glasgow Climate Pact invited the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) Chair to hold an annual dialogue, starting in June 2022, to strengthen ocean-based climate action. The COP Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan mandated that future dialogues, from 2023, should be facilitated by two co-facilitators. The co-facilitators are selected by Parties biennially and are responsible for deciding the topics of the dialogue in consultation with Parties and observers.

The 2025 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue will be co-facilitated by Ulrik Lenaerts (Belgium) and Carlos Márcio Bicalho Cozendey (Brazil). The co-facilitators outlined their vision for the dialogue through a reflection on the role of the ocean within the UNFCCC process in a letter to Parties and Observers shared on 24 March 2025. A virtual informal exchange of views on the preparation for the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2025 was held on 3 April 2025. A recording of the webcast and agenda is available here. The dialogue will be held in June 2025 as part of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meeting (SB62) now referred to as the June Climate Meetings (16-26 June 2025).

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

The Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory will once again co-organize the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COP30 with support from Ocean Generation and other partners. Now in its fifth year, this year’s Virtual Ocean Pavilion will continue its mission of connecting all on our incredible blue planet. New focal areas that will be highlighted during the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion include collaborative initiatives involving the three Rio Conventions, national and regional action focusing on the BBNJ Agreement, and the outcomes of the third United Nations Ocean Conference.

An organizational meeting with past collaborating partners was held on 13 May 2025 with representatives from over 30 organizations in attendance. Expressions of interest in collaborating on the Virtual Ocean Pavilion are welcome. Contact Catie Mitchell and Thecla Keizer for more information.

Additional Upcoming Ocean Events in 2025

In addition to the events highlighted above, there will be several major ocean events to look forward to in 2025, including the following:

One Ocean Science Congress, 4-6 June 2025, Nice, France
Blue Economy & Finance Forum, 7-8 June 2025, Monaco, France
OCEANS 2025, 16-19 June 2025, Brest, France
June Climate Meetings, 16-26 June 2025, Bonn, Germany
London Climate Action Week (LCAW), 21-29 June 2025, London, UK
Second session of the Preparatory Commission for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, 18-29 August 2025, New York, United States
UNFCCC COP30, 10-21 November 2025, Belém, Brazil

Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

The Cross-sectoral Project is approaching the end of its second year of implementation. The Project has finalized drafts of 18 national ABNJ profiles as part of a capacity needs assessment on cross-sectoral ABNJ management and governance in the Southeast Pacific and the Pacific Islands region. Two regional ABNJ profiles are also in development. 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 is conducting preliminary, job and population analyses, and validation workshop for each pilot region. The Universidad Católica del Norte and the University of the South Pacific are leading the capacity needs assessment activities in the Southeast Pacific and the University of the South Pacific respectively, with support from the Global Ocean Forum.

Ms. Eugenia Merayo Garcia, Gender Specialist of the Project, has completed a review and enhancement of the Project’s Gender Action Plan. This enhanced Gender Action Plan will be utilized to ensure gender considerations are well incorporated into Project activities and outputs. Eugenia will also serve as a Project representative on the Gender Working Group of the Common Oceans Program.

A self-paced e-learning course on ABNJ is in development among project partners. This course will provide an introduction to marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) and an overview of ABNJ management and governance issues. The course is expected to be launched in June 2025 at UNOC3.

The Comisión Permanente del Pacífico Sur (CPPS) is organizing a working group focused on ABNJ including the implementation of the Cross-sectoral Project in the Southeast Pacific. The working group will involve representatives from CPPS member countries: Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. The first meeting of the working group will be convened at UNOC3.

Cross-sectoral Project Engagement at the First Meeting of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission

The Global Ocean Forum was represented at the first session of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission (14-25 April 2025) by Miriam Balgos, Executive Director; Tony MacDonald, Board Director; and Catie Mitchell, Policy Analyst. Tony attended the first day of PrepCom 1 while Miriam and Catie attended the first week.

Global Ocean Forum engagement during PrepCom 1 focused on connecting with representatives of 18 target countries from the Pacific Islands and Southeast Pacific in pursuit of capacity needs assessment objectives under the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. In addition, the Global Ocean Forum interacted with a wide range of civil society organizations and was able to organize meetings with the International Seabed Authority and the International Indian Treaty Commission. Additional project partnerships were explored with representatives from IDDRI, the University of Wollongong, Conservation International, Pew Charitable Trusts, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the High Seas Alliance, and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

Support the Global Ocean Forum

Please consider donating to our 2024-2025 campaign of the Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Memorial Fund to enable the Global Ocean Forum to support Fellows, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COPs and the biennial reports on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Reports) for years to come. We also welcome donations to our general program operations that will directly support the implementation of our Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 with program development across four focal areas: Ocean & Climate, ABNJ, Blue Economy, and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management.

Prepared by Catie Mitchell and Miriam Balgos

May 15, 2025

3rd United Nations Ocean Conference Voluntary Commitment

Advancing Multi-stakeholder and Intergenerational Initiatives for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Ocean

The International Coastal and Ocean Organization, doing business as the Global Ocean Forum, launched a Voluntary Ocean Commitment in March 2025 to accelerate and contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) in collaboration with the Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense, Monmouth University-Urban Coast Institute, Nausicaá National Sea Centre, Instytut Oceanologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Today We Have, EurOcean, EMBRC-BE Marine Training Unit of the Universiteit Gent, and the World Ocean Network. The Ocean Commitment, Advancing Multi-stakeholder and Intergenerational Initiatives for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Ocean, was developed in response to a call for action to mobilize stakeholders in support of the overarching theme of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3): Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.

Joining over 2000 Ocean Commitments developed for UNOC3, this collaborative effort aims to advance the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean in line with SDG 14 and emphasizes that implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is a necessity. Critically, implementation of the BBNJ Agreement will foster cross-sectoral initiatives among a diverse and intergenerational range of stakeholders that underscore the ocean’s crucial role in addressing the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises, leaving no community behind.

Collaborating partners will leverage their respective comparative advantages to carry out the following actions by the end of 2027:

Promote ocean-climate-biodiversity action through public outreach, multi-stakeholder dialogues, capacity building, and monitoring and assessment of progress;
Contribute to the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and its effective and equitable implementation, by raising awareness of its benefits on a regional and global scale, and strengthening capacities and coordination in developing countries, specifically in Latin America;
Develop leadership and advocacy skills of youth aged 18-30 to address ocean-related challenges, such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and ABNJ governance, and become informed, proactive and solution-oriented leaders; and
Conduct various research and community engagement initiatives in the US Mid-Atlantic region with a focus on sustainable ocean planning and urban seas, including planning for sustainable ocean economies, supporting adaptation and resilient coastal communities, and stewardship of coastal and ocean ecosystems.

For more information on the progress of this initiative, visit the Partnerships for SDGs online platform maintained by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development.

April 9, 2025

Ocean & Climate News

3 February 2025

Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean & Climate News. This issue will spotlight the second edition of our Ocean & Climate Action webinar series, organized in partnership with the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute. The webinar focuses on the global plastics treaty and will provide perspectives on the topic from various experts. The issue will also provide a status update on the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project and will close with a preview of 2025 ocean and climate events around the world.

As we start a new year and a full agenda of activities at the Global Ocean Forum, please consider donating here to support the Global Ocean Forum’s ongoing mission to promote good governance of the ocean, healthy marine ecosystems, and sustainable development.

Ocean & Climate Updates

Join us to explore the second topic of the Ocean & Climate Action webinar series: Plastics

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 11AM EST, the Global Ocean Forum is co-organizing a panel discussion on the Current Status and Future of the Global Plastics Treaty with Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute. This webinar aims to explore the progress, as well as the failures, toward addressing plastic pollution on a global scale while assessing its various implications. Key points of consideration include identifying and addressing the stumbling blocks to treaty adoption, the implications of addressing the entire plastics life cycle, the role of civil society and other non-State actors in the plastics treaty negotiations and in its implementation, health, environmental injustice, and equity issues, and financing.

Panelists:

Jyoti Mathur-Filipp,Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution
Margaret Spring,Chief Conservation and Science Officer, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Marjo Vierros,Head of Science Policy Research, Ocean Voices Programme
Daniela Durán,Senior Legal Campaigner, Upstream Plastics Treaty, Center for International Environmental Law

Moderators:

Tony MacDonald, Executive Director, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute
Miriam Balgos, Executive Director, Global Ocean Forum

Bios & Additional Details Here

The 90-minute webinar is free and open to the public. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. For questions, email cmitchell@globaloceanforum.com.

The Ocean and Climate Action Webinar Series

The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute and the Global Ocean Forum (GOF) are jointly organizing a three-part webinar series on Ocean and Climate Action in alignment with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development Vision 2030. The webinars aim to mobilize civil society around critical ocean and climate action identified in the report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action 2022-2023 (ROCA Report). The ROCA Report is published biennially by the Global Ocean Forum and serves to review global progress made on climate and ocean initiatives. The 2022-2023 ROCA Report identified priority topics that the webinar series will be addressing, including the Global Plastics Treaty and its implications for the management of land-based marine pollution and alignment of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and BBNJ Agreement targets on area-based management. These webinars will emphasize that achieving ocean-climate action goals is imperative for global sustainability.

A recording of the first webinar in the Ocean and Climate Action series, Catalyzing Party and Community Action on Ocean, Climate and BBNJ, is available here. The second webinar, Current Status and Future of the Global Plastics Treaty, will be held at 11AM EST on 4 February 2025 and will discuss the Global Plastics Treaty. The third webinar will focus on the Blue Economy. More details about the third webinar, including invited speakers and the intended date and time, will be announced during the closing of the second webinar.

Perspectives on the Global Plastics Treaty: Reflections on the INC-5 Negotiations

By Eve Warlow, Campaign and Communications Lead at Everyday Plastic and Freelance Consultant

Lack of consensus at INC-5 Negotiations

The fifth round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty, INC-5, took place in Busan, South Korea at the end of November 2024. This was expected to be the final phase of negotiations with over 3,000 delegates in attendance, including representatives from national governments, industry, academia, international organizations, and civil society groups. Unfortunately, despite the extensive participation, the negotiations ended without a legally binding agreement. Instead, talks were suspended, with plans to meet again in 2025.

This outcome was a significant blow to those working on the treaty and to communities worldwide who had hoped this critical juncture would mark a turning point in the fight against plastic pollution. Instead, it served as a stark reminder of how challenging it is to forge a binding international agreement on such a complex issue and raises serious questions about procedure, credibility, and multilateralism.

Industry Influence and Delays

A key issue at INC-5 was the overwhelming presence of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists. Busan saw 220 lobbyists from these sectors registered, the highest representation in the treaty’s negotiation history. They formed the largest single delegation, surpassing even the host nation, South Korea, with an additional 17 lobbyists embedded within national delegations. This heavy industry presence contributed to obstructing and delaying proceedings, muddying discussions, and ultimately undermining progress. This growing problem of industry interference in environmental multilateralism risks undermining the credibility of the UN’s negotiating procedures and is something that needs to be addressed with effective measures in order to achieve a meaningful treaty.

Contentious Issues at the Table

One of the most crucial topics that delegates failed to achieve consensus on was that of reducing plastic production and limiting the use of toxic chemicals. Many nations, particularly from the Global South and the European Union, pushed for strict caps on virgin plastic production. However, powerful industry-aligned delegations blocked these measures, advocating instead for waste management improvements and technological fixes like chemical recycling.

Financial assistance for developing nations was another contentious issue. Countries disproportionately affected by plastic waste called for robust funding mechanisms. While wealthier nations expressed support for capacity-building, they ultimately stopped short of making binding financial commitments.

There was also disagreement over accountability mechanisms. While some countries pushed for legally binding provisions with enforceable targets, others preferred voluntary guidelines, citing concerns about national sovereignty and economic competitiveness. Without a framework for transparent monitoring and accountability, the treaty risks becoming a collection of vague promises rather than a transformative instrument.

What’s Next for Treaty Negotiations?

Despite the disappointing outcome, there were signs of progress. Over 100 countries supported a text proposal for reducing plastic production, an encouraging development. Although a date has not yet been set for INC5.2, scheduling the next round of negotiations for the first half of 2025 would help maintain the momentum built in Busan.

To avoid another deadlock, several options could be explored. One possibility is introducing a voting mechanism to force an outcome. Alternatively, negotiators might agree to a “weak” treaty with plans to address more contentious issues later. Another approach could see countries that are in agreement creating a robust treaty outside the UN framework. While this could still impact global plastic production, it would not be legally binding for non-participating nations.

Reasons for Optimism

Despite the frustrations, there are reasons to remain cautiously hopeful. The negotiations demonstrated growing recognition of the plastic crisis as a global emergency requiring urgent action. The inclusion of civil society groups, scientists, and indigenous representatives provided valuable perspectives that could help shape more inclusive and effective solutions. Seeing major global economies come together to envision a post-plastics future shows that progress is possible.

The treaty could still be a powerful catalyst for change, and progress is already underway, even without formal legislation. Cities, corporations, and grassroots movements are implementing innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste and shift toward circular economies. These efforts could build pressure on national governments to adopt more ambitious treaty provisions. Momentum at a local level and private sector actions offer hope and show how much the dial has moved in the right direction towards tackling plastic pollution.

As we look ahead to INC-5.2, there is still hope, despite the influence of vested interests and lobbyists, that a robust treaty with a firm commitment to reducing plastic production can be achieved.

Plastics Treaty: What went wrong in Busan? What’s Next?

*Image courtesy of the GRID-Arendal resources library, by Oliva Rempel*

A recent article by Rémi Parmentier, Director at The Varda Group, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development shares ideas on how to rescue the Global Plastics Treaty process. Highlights include disagreements that continued to flare during the latest round of negotiations, the members and interests of the High Ambition Coalition, and new ideas that can be considered now that the current negotiating method has reached its limits. Find the full article here.

Building Global Momentum Towards Managing Marine Plastic Pollution Through SDG 14

An article by Marjo Vierros, Gemma Nelson, Mariana Caldeira, Andrei Polejack, Julia Schutz Veiga, and Alumita Sekinairai published in the Ocean and Society Open Access Journal in July 2024 explores marine plastic pollution management. The article traces the pathway through which SDG 14 voluntary commitments, from local to global, have led by example while building a global sense of urgency to address the plastic pollution crisis. It also provides examples of how local communities and governments have experienced and responded to the crisis. Lessons learned from these local examples were provided to link local measures and priorities to the global level in a way that can inform how the plastic pollution treaty is both negotiated and implemented.

Launching the Preparation of the Report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action: 2024-2025

The launch of the 2024-2025 report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report) was announced during the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. Preparation of this biennial report has started with the identification and compilation of relevant information on progress achieved in ocean and climate initiatives in 2024 and expected progress that will be achieved in 2025. A new addition to this volume will be a section on ocean-based solutions to mitigation and adaptation issues successfully adopted and reported within the years covered by the report. A call to authors was shared with past ROCA Report contributors in January, with additional authors added by invitation through February. The report is expected to be published in November 2025 with an official launch at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).

This volume will benefit from the leadership of Dr. Peter Ricketts, Professor and former President and Vice Chancellor of Acadia University and GOF Board Director, as lead author. An annotated outline has been prepared and is available upon request. Volunteer contributors to this report are welcome to signify their interest to the GOF secretariat.

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

The second meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) of the Cross-sectoral Project was held on 29 January 2025 with all PSC membership in attendance. The 2025 work plan and revised project timeline were approved unanimously. An intersessional PSC meeting will be organized in May or June 2025 following the completion of a capacity needs assessment to evaluate the existing capacity for cross-sectoral management and governance of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) in the Southeast Pacific and the Pacific Islands region.

The Project has completed preliminary work in the preparation of 18 national ABNJ profiles and two regional ABNJ profiles as part of the capacity needs assessment. To be finalized in collaboration with national and regional stakeholders, 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.

To raise the profile of ABNJ among the general public, a short self-paced e-learning course on ABNJ is in development among project partners. This course will provide an overview of ABNJ issues and management with a focus on cross-sectoral governance. The course is expected to be launched in June 2025 at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France. In addition, following the completion of a user needs survey in 2024, wireframes of an ABNJ governance platform are also expected to be completed and shared at UNOC to solicit additional stakeholder feedback. 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.

Ocean Events & Opportunities

Upcoming Ocean Events in 2025

There will be several major ocean events to look forward to in 2025, including the following:

BBNJ Symposium, 18-19 February 2025, Singapore
International Ocean Data Conference – III, 10-11 March 2025, Santa Marta, Colombia
Advancing Ocean Learning: Navigating Knowledge in the Pacific, 14-16 April 2025, Suva, Fiji
Two sessions of the Preparatory Commission for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, 14-21 April 2025 and 18-29 August 2025, New York, United States
Our Ocean, Our Action, 27-29 April 2025, Busan, South Korea
Global Sustainable Islands Summit, 27-29 May 2025, St. Kitts and Nevis
One Ocean Science Congress, 4-6 June 2025, Nice, France
UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June 2025, Nice, France
OCEANS 2025, 16-19 June 2025, Brest, France
UNFCCC COP30, 10-21 November 2025, Belém, Brazil

Support the Global Ocean Forum

Please consider donating to the Global Ocean Forum to support our 2024-2025 campaign of the Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Memorial Fund, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COPs and the biennial report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report) for years to come. We also welcome donations to our general program operations that will directly support the implementation of our Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 with program development across four focal areas: Ocean & Climate, ABNJ, Blue Economy, and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management.

DONATE HERE

Prepared by Catie Mitchell and Miriam Balgos

February 3, 2025

Ocean & Climate News

December 20, 2024

Welcome to the December 2024 edition of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean & Climate News. This issue focuses on the UNFCCC COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan (11 – 22 November 2024), its significant outcomes, perspectives on ocean outcomes from ocean leaders, highlights from the Global Ocean Forum’s participation at COP29, and the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. The issue will also provide a status update on the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project and will close with other relevant ocean and climate events and opportunities.

In the spirit of the giving season, please consider donating here to support the Global Ocean Forum’s ongoing mission to promote good governance of the ocean, healthy marine ecosystems, and sustainable development.

Ocean & Climate Recent Events

COP29 Key Outcomes

*Photo Credit: European Council of the European Union*

The 29^th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan was touted as the ‘Finance COP’ and thus the adoption of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance to support developing countries in their climate efforts was a focal point of discussions. Despite clear divides and tensions surrounding the negotiations, delegates agreed on mobilizing at least USD 300 billion annually from developed countries, and at least USD 1.3 trillion annually from all financial actors, by 2035. This positive step forward still leaves many remaining questions, notably how developing countries will obtain sufficient support to face the increasing impacts of climate change and how the ocean will benefit from this increase in climate finance.

In response to political tensions, several countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, a key message included in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration released during the COP, which recognized the need to rapidly and substantially “scale up climate finance from billions to trillions from all sources.” UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell noted that the statement from G20 leaders sent a clear message to negotiators at COP29: “A successful new finance goal…is in every country’s clear interests.”

While Parties were expected to translate the conclusions of the Global Stocktake into concrete action, carrying forward the legacy of COP28, negotiations ultimately ended in deadlock and the decision was pushed to the next climate meetings, representing a significant setback in efforts to phase out fossil fuels. On a more positive note, significant progress was made in mitigation efforts under other processes. Most notably, after nearly a decade of work, countries finally agreed on the final framework for how carbon markets will operate under the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

COP29 also saw progress on adaptation, with the launch of the Baku Adaptation Roadmap and the establishment of the Baku high-level dialogue on adaptation intended to advance efforts under the Global Goal on Adaptation. Parties also reached an agreement on key technical aspects necessary for the operationalization of the Global Goal on Adaptation, with a particular focus on indicators. Additionally, steps were undertaken to operationalize the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which will be able to start financing projects in 2025.

Despite limited opportunities to advance the ocean-climate nexus within the negotiations and secure specific ocean language in decision texts, Parties expressed strong interest in advancing ocean-based climate action. On the final day of the conference, members of the Friends of the Ocean and Climate group reaffirmed their “steadfast commitment to promoting the ocean-climate nexus at the UN Climate Change Conferences and utilizing sustainable ocean-based mitigation and adaptation actions”. Brazil, which demonstrated a clear interest in ocean issues at COP29 and included ocean-based measures in its revised Nationally Determined Contribution, will play a crucial role with its COP30 Presidency in ensuring its full consideration. The Presidency has already expressed its intention to make COP30 a “Nature COP”, emphasizing synergies between the Climate and Biodiversity Conventions. In this context, Brazil’s increasing focus on ocean-related issues sends a powerful signal ensuring that nature at COP30 is also blue.

For more information on COP29 Key Outcomes, please visit the Ocean & Climate Platform and the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, whose reporting is included in the above summary.

Perspectives on the Ocean Outcomes of COP29

Reflections on the Outcomes of COP29 for the Ocean

**By Dr. Filimon Manoni, Pacific Ocean Commissioner**

On the cool windy shores of the Caspian Sea, 28 meters below sea level, COP29 felt a long way away from our Blue Pacific Ocean. Despite being very far from familiar shores, the Blue Pacific contingent, through the tireless efforts of our Leaders and Ministers, our skilled negotiators, and the vibrancy of our youth ambassadors, echoed our unified messages through the halls of Baku stadium in a consistent and emphatic way – the most critical one being keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal alive.

It is also important to keep at the forefront of our collective global mind, the critical role the ocean plays in regulating climate and the challenges to the ocean that have a direct link to the climate. In other words, it is of the utmost importance to fully appreciate the dynamics of climate and ocean nexus if we are to truly achieve our global climate commitments.

As we continue to advocate loudly in the global arena, in the Blue Pacific Continent the ocean is our identity, our lifeline, and a way of life. For many, it serves as the sole source of life and vitality, fueling economic development and nation building aspirations across the Pacific. This majestic phenomenon that we revere and respect is also becoming a concern. Due to the impacts of climate change, it is now surging into our homes and communities as global temperatures rise, threatening our people and future survival.

COP29 was billed the “finance COP,” centered on delivering a new funding arrangement that was to be forward looking and without the challenges of the previous funding targets that the developed world and the biggest emitters failed to up-hold. This new deal, referred to as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) was indeed to mobilize the critical finance required for developing countries, and especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to address their mitigation and adaptation needs. For Pacific SIDS, who are at the forefront of the climate crisis, the NCQG was a new promise that was desperately needed to respond to the climate crisis.

However, in negotiations in Baku, we witnessed deliberate tactics to put up barriers and to draw out negotiations as a strategy to take the wind out of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) negotiators. We felt the frustration that has become all too familiar at these COP negotiations and seemed like déjà vu all over again.

In effect, we saw little progress on the Global Stocktake, which called on all developed countries to contribute to “transitioning away from fossil fuels” and to submit climate pledges aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit. By the second Sunday, we saw the NCQG lift from $100 to $300billion annually, far below the expectations of the AOSIS and SIDS negotiators and with SIDS and LDCs not receiving the minimum carve-outs for their pressing needs.

So, COP29 did not quite meet the ambition we had hoped for, for our future. Looking forward, let us build on the small wins and take these challenges head on, one step at a time. Let us hope that access to finance will now be no longer a challenge for SIDS, and that finance will be more readily accessible disbursed to the most vulnerable countries – particularly Pacific Small Island Developing States.

Furthermore, while the ocean is not on the formal UNFCCC COP agenda, it remains an important cross-cutting theme and should feature more prominently in the formal negotiations. Some attempts were made in Baku to directly link the ocean in negotiation texts, but these made few waves. Notwithstanding, we are relatively pleased that the UNFCCC Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue process is helping to build on the awareness and importance of the ocean and climate nexus and to give it a profile in the UNFCCC COP process.

The Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue continued to improve, with steady co-chairs steering it in the right direction. I have no doubt that the Dialogue will continue to build momentum for the ocean-climate nexus and lead to concrete action in the UNFCCC processes, especially for SIDS.

We also saw momentum build in the informal grouping – Friends of the Ocean and Climate who delivered their first ever joint statement on the ocean-climate nexus.

We heard echoing in the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, the Ocean Pavilion and beyond, that the ocean is critical to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement. We must invest more in sustainable ocean-based climate action and in observing our ocean.

Looking ahead to COP30 in Belém, where the Amazon River flows down into the Atlantic Ocean, I remain optimistic that the momentum on ocean-climate nexus will build, and the ocean will receive the attention it deserves. There will be no doubt of this momentum if COP31 makes its way to the Blue Pacific.

I also remain optimistic, as we must, that we can keep 1.5 alive for the sake of the ocean, for the sake of all people of the Pacific that depend on us to progress our efforts, and for the sake of humanity.

Key Outcomes from COP29 Around Carbon Trading (Article 6)

By Beatriz Machado Granziera, Senior International Climate Policy Advisor at The Nature Conservancy, Kelley Hamrick Malvar, Senior International Climate Policy Advisor at The Nature Conservancy, and Kimberly Myers, Senior Associate, Carbon Markets Policy at The Nature Conservancy

Article 6.2 and Article 6.4. Article 6.2 sets out very broad guidelines for eligible credits, and countries can use whatever methodologies they like, as long as the overall guidelines are met. Article 6.4, on the other hand, created a Supervisory Body, which will approve specific methodologies for trade.

COP29 marked a historic milestone for Article 6 as countries finalized (most of!) the remaining building blocks of carbon markets under the Paris Agreement. The conclusion of the Article 6 negotiations after nearly a decade sends a clear and decisive message: The rules—imperfect as some may be—are now established, providing much-needed certainty for countries, investors, and stakeholders to advance their cooperative approaches.

How does this relate to oceans and, more broadly, nature? There are no restrictions on the types of emissions reductions and removals^[1] that can be eligible under Article 6.2 or Article 6.4, meaning that blue carbon activities could produce eligible carbon credits under either approach. However, the specifics and timeline will vary. That’s because while the agreement reached at COP29 provides a framework for carbon markets under the Paris Agreement, most decisions around implementation are left to national governments. Key decisions, such as what will be traded, how trades will be operationalized, and who will oversee the markets, need to be addressed domestically before trading starts to take off. That means some countries may approve the sale of blue carbon credits and others may not.

Article 6.2

Even with some uncertainty from ongoing negotiations, Article 6.2 has been operational since 2021, and momentum has only grown in the past years. Dozens of bilateral deals have been signed, with increasing participation from both buyer and seller countries. However, only one Article 6 trade has been completed so far,^[2] highlighting the challenges that remain in implementing Article 6.2. Specifically, the biggest challenge lies in countries developing their domestic frameworks to participate in Article 6: this includes defining institutional arrangements to authorize Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), aligning Article 6 strategies with broader national climate targets, and establishing processes to comply with reporting requirements. Even when these frameworks are in place, countries face a more complex issue: deciding what sectors to trade from, how many units to transfer, and at what price, all while ensuring these trades do not compromise their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

So far, no pilots with blue carbon activities have been signed, but that could change as long as there is a supplier country willing to sell these credits.

Article 6.4:

In October 2024, the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body adopted important guidance on methodologies and removals, critical areas still needed for the full operationalization of Article 6.4. This guidance shifted status from “recommendations” to “standards,” allowing the Supervisory Body to adopt them directly without needing further approval from countries [Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA)] at COP29. Day 1 of COP29 concluded with the endorsement of new standards for removals and methodologies. It was unusual to have a decision right at the beginning of COP, but it was a “win” needed by the COP Presidency to build momentum for the remaining two weeks of negotiations.

While this is a crucial milestone, the hard work for the Supervisory Body is just beginning: There are no approved methodologies and without them, no new projects can be registered under Article 6.4. The Supervisory Body will now start reviewing and approving methodologies, but this process can be lengthy. For example, under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the first methodologies took years to be approved. The initial methodologies are expected to come from the CDM, which does not include any blue carbon methodologies.

When it comes to nature, a lot of what is at stake will be discussed in the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body in 2025. The Supervisory Body will be tasked with refining technical rules, including those related to post-crediting monitoring and downward adjustments of baselines. These decisions will directly shape the potential for nature-based methodologies to play a significant role in Article 6.4.

This means that while blue carbon methodologies may be approved in the future, nothing has been currently approved, and it will probably take at least a year before blue carbon would even be considered (given that the Supervisory Body will first start with CDM methodologies).

[1] With one exception: Negotiators have yet to determine whether “emissions avoidance” projects are eligible. There is no agreed definition of “emissions avoidance,” and the terms have never been conceptualized by the UNFCCC nor the IPCC. However, contrary to some interpretations, the decision to exclude emissions avoidance and conservation enhancement from Article 6 does not mean that REDD+ projects cannot be eligible under Article 6. On the contrary, nature-based solutions are already eligible under Article 6.2 and Article 6.4 since they fall under the IPCC definitions of emissions reduction or emissions removal.

[2] Between Switzerland and Thailand in January of 2024.

Global Ocean Forum at UNFCCC COP29

The COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

From 6 November to 22 November 2024, 1,272 registrants representing 138 countries convened online at the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. In its fourth iteration, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion is a free online platform dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean and demonstrating why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet. Co-organized by the Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion was developed as a tool to increase transparency and equitable access to discussions during the United Nations Climate Conference while increasing knowledge, commitment, and action at the ocean-climate nexus.

Building on the momentum from past Pavilions, the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion promoted cross-sectoral cooperation on ocean-climate action in partnership with over 20 collaborating organizations. The Pavilion also highlighted opportunities provided by the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) to leverage the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and accelerate the implementation of ocean-climate action.

*Lobby of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

Registered attendees entered the Pavilion platform through an interactive virtual lobby featuring ocean graphics and the city of Baku, Azerbaijan in the background. From this central area, participants could navigate the platform and access features including 9 live events and 4 roundtable discussions organized around the key messages of the Pavilion, an overview of COP29 Ocean Events, daily editions of the Treasure Trove with updates from COP29 and Pavilion partners, details regarding a youth-led interview series, and the Exhibit Hall featuring 11 exhibition booths from leading ocean and climate organizations.

*Exhibit Hall of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

A pre-final summary report of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion is available here. The data shared in this pre-final report is drawn from the initial live access period of the Pavilion (6 to 22 November 2024). A final report will be shared in January 2025 after the conclusion of the on-demand access period (23 November to 22 December 2024) and will also include results from a post-event survey prepared by the PML with input from GOF. All participants and collaborators are encouraged to respond to the survey here.

In addition to the pre-final summary report, summaries of two roundtable discussions on Blue Finance and Cross-sectoral Governance are available on the ROCA website, which will host an archive of all COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion assets.

Integrated approaches to ocean governance in the context of climate change, the BBNJ Agreement, and SDG14

Jointly organized by the Global Ocean Forum (International Coastal and Ocean Organization), the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the COP29 side event on Integrated approaches to ocean governance in the context of climate change, BBNJ Agreement and SDG14 was held on 20 November 2024. The event, which featured Filimon Manoni and Marilyn Simmons, Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner; Sefanaia Nawadra, SPREP; Nasar Hayat, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Azerbaijan; Luz Gil, The Nature Conservancy; and Miriam Balgos, Global Ocean Forum, showcased the integrated and collaborative approaches used to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources, mobilizing finance, harnessing various forms of cooperation at various levels, and leveraging ocean-climate-biodiversity interlinkages. A recording of the event will be made available by UNFCCC in 2025.

Why the ocean matters in climate negotiations

*Booth representatives Miriam Balgos and Catie Mitchell (Global Ocean Forum) and Jason Hall-Spencer (University of Plymouth) with COP29 youth volunteers at the joint Exhibition Booth*

The Global Ocean Forum (International Coastal and Ocean Organization) participated in a joint exhibition booth led by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory along with the Partnership for the Observation of the Global Ocean Society (POGO) and University of Plymouth. The booth was open at the COP29 Exhibition Hall from 18-21 November 2024 and served to highlight the mitigation and adaptation potential of the ocean amidst growing impacts from climate change. The ocean is critical to all life on our planet and thus must be included in climate negotiations.

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

Project Implementation

The Cross-sectoral Project is now in its second year of implementation. 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.

A user needs survey was conducted in July 2024 to solicit input for the development of an ABNJ governance platform. The analysis of the survey results has been utilized in ongoing platform development. 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.

Ms. Eugenia Merayo Garcia of Natural Capital Solutions, Gender Specialist of the Project, has completed a desk-based gender analysis of sectors involved in ABNJ that is now under review by Project partners. Preliminary findings show that gender inequality is still prevalent in ocean sectors, and women’s work and contributions continue to be invisible and/or undervalued. From small-scale fishers to ocean researchers, the study indicates that women face several challenges, such as the double burden of domestic and professional responsibilities, underrepresentation in leadership and decision making, and violence and discrimination. The final report will be made available in January 2025 and will inform the ongoing gender activities under the Project.

A self-paced e-learning course on ABNJ is in development among project partners. This course will provide an overview of ABNJ issues and management with a focus on cross-sectoral governance. The course is expected to be launched in June 2025 at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Special Report: Informal Briefing by the Co-Chairs of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission

**By Sara Zelaya, Southeast Pacific International ABNJ Specialist of the Cross-sectoral Project; Senior Advocacy Officer, Ecosystem Program, AIDA**

The first and second sessions of the Preparatory Commission for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement to be held in April and August 2025 at the UN Headquarters will address a series of matters that need to be decided by the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Agreement and is open to other issues that might be seen as urgent to decide by the delegations. The clusters of topics that were decided during the organizational meeting of the Commission in June 2024 are: 1) Governance issues; 2) Issues pertaining to the operation of the Clearing-House Mechanism; and 3) Financial rules, and financial resources and mechanism.

On 11 December 2024, the Co-Chairs of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission, Mrs. Janine Coye Felson from the Belize UN Permanent Mission and Mr. Adam McCarthy from the Australia UN Permanent Mission conducted a virtual briefing to delegations and observers, about the work they have been coordinating to structure the first meeting of the Preparatory Commission of the BBNJ Agreement. To that end, a provisional agenda and a provisional program of work have been shared with stakeholders and full conference services, including translation and documentation, are confirmed for the meeting.

Consistent with the mandate of the Preparatory Commission and what was agreed during the organizational meeting, the Co-Chairs made special references to the relevance of ensuring transparency, inclusivity and meaningful participation during the PrepCom sessions. To favor those criteria, some general modalities of work were set, like the decision of not having more than two parallel meetings. The issues those meetings will be dedicated to are still under revision.

The Co-Chairs also mentioned the importance of consultation with the PrepCom Bureau and the consideration of the ideas and concerns presented by other delegations and stakeholders in October, including the limitations and challenges of small delegations. The goodwill and recognition of the significance of the PrepCom work by the relevant actors were highlighted.

On other modalities of work, the Co-Chairs noted the utility of forming informal working groups and developing intersessional work in a timely mannerthe details of which are still to be determined. On how to move from one agenda item to the other, the Co-Chairs mentioned the possibility of using the order established by the Agreement itself.

The UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, acting as interim Secretariat for the Treaty, is assisting the Co-Chairs with the documentation process. In early March 2025, the documents for the PrepCom are expected to be ready in all UN official languages, with the ambition to have them finalized in English by February 2025.

To conclude, the overall organization of work is still in development, with the intention of avoiding parallel meetings as much as possible, to secure transparency and inclusivity, with the expectation to have countries’ participation that combines UN Permanent Missions representatives and experts from capitals.

Ocean Events & Opportunities

2024 East Asian Seas Congress

*Photo courtesy of the* *Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)* *December 2024 Newsletter*

The 2024 East Asian Seas Congress organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) brought together 855 participants from 20 countries. From 171 speakers leading 35 sessions, the creativity and enthusiasm of 50 exhibitors and the support of nine event sponsors, fueled collaboration, learning and the essence of partnerships.

Key themes explored through plenary sessions included: 1) Ocean Innovations and Financing; 2) Ocean Science, Policy, and Practice; and 3) Global Challenges, Local Solutions. Parallel sessions took a closer look into selected topics like climate action, biodiversity and sustainable development, while exhibits showcased cutting-edge solutions and technologies for ocean sustainability.

With representation from 88 IGOs and NGOs, 42 local host institutions, 47 academic institutions, 22 local governments, 6 donor agencies and foundations, 15 business organizations, and over 200 youth participating as speakers, delegates, and dedicated volunteers, the Congress truly reflected a “whole of society” approach.

The Preview Event of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion also served as a virtual side event at the Congress, with over 100 attendees. An event recording is available here.

Ocean Acidification Week 2024

Ocean Acidification Week 2024 was held from 18-22 November. This virtual multi-day forum highlighted the ocean acidification knowledge needed to restore humanity’s relationship with the ocean. Ocean Acidification Week first debuted in 2020 and built on the successful Ocean in a High CO2 World Symposium held in 2022. The Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) supports this virtual symposium that brings together researchers across the world with sessions, plenary speakers, and engaging talks about ocean acidification science and action taking. Ocean Acidification Week 2024 sessions included regional reports from Latin America, Africa, Pacific Islands, Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Asia, the Arctic and North America.

CommOcean 2024

The International Marine Science Communication Conference, CommOCEAN 2024, was hosted at the Málaga Oceanographic Centre from 25-27 November 2024. This conference provided an opportunity to enhance communication skills in the ocean through immersion in a collaborative environment filled with expert-led workshops, networking sessions, and insightful discussions on the latest trends in ocean research communication. Find more information about the conference here.

Applications open for GOOD-OARS Summer School 2025

The GOOD-OARS Summer school will be organized in Penang Malaysia from 4-11 November 2025. The school will be hosted by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies of Universiti Sains Malaysia (CEMACS) and is established under the Global Ocean Oxygen Decade (GOOD) and Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS) programmes of the UN Ocean Decade. It aims to train the next generation of ocean oxygen and acidification scientists and researchers on the foundations of both fields, with instruction and lectures from world experts in a friendly setting for discussion.

More information is available here, and applications are welcome for up to 40 PhD and graduate students, ECRs, and highly motivated MSc students until 10 January 2025. Any queries can be directed to go2ne-secretariat@unesco.org and to ssgo2025@gmail.com.

Additional Upcoming Ocean Events in 2025

In addition to those events detailed above, there will be several major ocean events to look forward to in 2025, including the following:

BBNJ Symposium, 18-19 February 2025, Singapore
Two sessions of the Preparatory Commission for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, 14-21 April 2025 and 18-29 August 2025, New York, United States
Our Ocean, Our Action, 27-29 April 2025, Busan, South Korea
24^th Annual Large Marine Ecosystems Consultant Meeting (LME24), 14-16 May 2025, Athens, Greece
One Ocean Science Congress, 4-6 June 2025, Nice, France
UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June 2025, Nice, France
OCEANS 2025, 16-19 June 2025, Brest, France
UNFCCC COP30, 10-21 November 2025, Belém, Brazil

Support the Global Ocean Forum

As 2024 comes to a close, the Global Ocean Forum is reflecting with gratitude on a productive year. We greatly appreciate the steadfast support of our long-time collaborators and look forward to welcoming new stakeholders and partners to our ever-expanding network in the coming year. In 2025, we will continue our persistent efforts to promote actions that encourage a healthy and resilient ocean for both people and planet.

Please consider donating to our 2023-2024 campaign of the Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain Memorial Fund to enable the Global Ocean Forum to support Fellows, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COPs and the biennial report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report) for years to come. We also welcome donations to our general program operations that will directly support the implementation of our Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 with program development across four focal areas: Ocean & Climate, ABNJ, Blue Economy, and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management.

DONATE

Prepared by Catie Mitchell and Miriam Balgos

December 20, 2024

Ocean and Climate News: COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Special Issue

11 October 2024

Welcome to the Special Issue of the Global Ocean Forum’s Ocean and Climate News dedicated to the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. The Global Ocean Forum is thrilled to return as the lead organizer for the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at COP29 in close partnership with Plymouth Marine Laboratory together with a wide range of collaborators from around the world. This Special Issue will highlight the many features of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion (6-22 November 2024) to be held during the upcoming UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan and recent ocean and climate events and publications.

The COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

What is the Virtual Ocean Pavilion?

This free online platform available from 6 – 22 November 2024 is dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean and showcasing why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet. Registration is open to all.

The use of a virtual platform dedicated to marine issues and concerns aims to democratize the ocean at COPs and promote unity and inclusivity, whilst increasing knowledge, commitment, and action for the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus at key events during the UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is also a key tool in increasing transparency and equitable access to climate discussions and information.

Building on the momentum of past Virtual Ocean Pavilions (COP26, COP27, COP28) the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will:

Continue to raise the profile of the ocean among members of the ocean and climate community;
Provide a communication platform for those who are unable to participate in COP29 in person from various parts of the world;
Address COP29 priorities while promoting the space for ocean in the climate conference;
Promote cross-sectoral cooperation and collaboration on ocean-climate action at the national, regional, and global levels; and
Highlight the opportunities provided by the new Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction and the 2025 UN Ocean Conference action panel themes to leverage the ocean-climate

Register Here

Explore the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

This year, the Pavilion will offer the opportunity to join live ocean and climate events, explore virtual exhibition booths, watch on-location COP29 reporting and interviews with delegates, test your Virtual Ocean Pavilion and COP29 knowledge with quizzes, access valuable opportunities for networking, and discover events and art exploring the ocean. You can also explore new features, such as roundtable discussions, facilitating greater interaction among participants as well as the opportunity to promote and debate key messages emanating from the COP29 Presidency, High-Level Climate Change Champions, Ocean Breakthroughs and other MP-GCA initiatives, and the 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue.

Register for free and contact the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Team (Miriam Balgos, Thecla Keizer, Catie Mitchell) for more information on how to become involved. Please see below for an overview of the many exciting features of this year’s COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion.

Dive into the Exhibition Hall

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion Exhibition Hall is returning this year with up to twelve ocean exhibit booths organized by leading ocean and climate organizations. These interactive exhibits will showcase new and ongoing initiatives and provide free access to a wealth of ocean and climate information for all attendees. All participants will be able to collect information shared in a “Virtual Delegate Bag” to ensure that the material is accessible long after the Pavilion closes.

Join our Live Events

This year’s Pavilion will feature a wide range of events covering topics across the ocean and climate nexus. The preliminary agenda (to be finalized by 30 October) includes five days of live events organized around themes presented by the COP29 priorities, the new Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National (BBNJ Agreement), and the road to UNOC 2025. An overview of events in development for this year’s Pavilion are included below.

6 November

From EEZs to the High Seas: Leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action
Co-organizers: Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in collaboration with Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of Southeast Asia and the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project

11 November

High-level Opening Event
Co-organizers: Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Impacts of the green transition and food security on the ocean’s role in climate
Organizer: World Maritime University

Oceans of innovation: Leveraging technology for ocean biodiversity and community empowerment.
Co-organizers: Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub in collaboration with the School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware; Delaware Environmental Institute

12 November

The future of shipping at the biodiversity and climate nexus
Organizer: World Maritime University

18 November

Unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change: A youth-led workshop
Co-organizers: Nausicaa, World Ocean Network, and Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, University of Delaware; Delaware Environmental Institute

The critical role of regional research and academic institutions in promoting the development and adoption of strategies to combat climate change by leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity interlinkages
Co-organizers: Global Ocean Forum, University of the West Indies (St. Augustine and Cave Hill), and University of the South Pacific

21 November

Ocean, climate and biodiversity interlinkages: Advances in understanding of the nature-climate nexus
Organizer: Fauna & Flora

High-level Closing Event
Co-organizers: Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory

For increased accessibility to the Virtual Ocean Pavilion events, Wordly translation in multiple languages will be made available during the live sessions. Calendar invitations to registered users will send notifications to remind them of events in a timely manner with the aim of increasing attendance. Unable to join a live event? All sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing throughout the duration of this year’s Pavilion.

Preview the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the 2024 East Asian Seas Congress

The Global Ocean Forum and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory are pleased to be organizing a virtual side event at the 2024 East Asian Seas Congress in collaboration with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. This side event, titled From EEZs to the High Seas: Leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action, will be held virtually on 6 November from 17:00 to 18:30 China Standard Time (GMT+8) [11:00 to 12:30 Central European Time (GMT+2), 5:00 to 6:30 US Eastern Standard Time (GMT-4)]. The event will consist of two segments and will feature two panels of speakers representing government, intergovernmental, and civil society organizations.

Register for the Event

OVERVIEW

Segment 1 aims to discuss integrated and collaborative approaches used to advance the ocean agenda in the climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development frameworks. It will highlight the opportunities presented by the BBNJ Agreement for leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action by exploring the mitigation and adaptation potential of the vast high seas.

Segment 2 focuses on what’s to come for the ocean community at COP29, providing a preview of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion and of ocean events at COP29 more generally. This segment will open with high-level remarks on the outcomes of the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2024. Next, the Ocean Breakthroughs and the activities of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MP-GCA) at COP29 will be presented, followed by a presentation on the activities of the Friends of the Ocean and Climate at COP29. An introduction to the Virtual Ocean Pavilion will then follow, with a preview of the Pavilion exhibits and live events, an overview of the searchable COP29 ocean-related events tracker and other Pavilion features.

SPEAKERS

Keynote Speaker

Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean

Segment 1: From EEZs to the High Seas

Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations in New York; Co-chair of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission
Mr. Duncan Currie, Legal and Political Advisor, High Seas Alliance
Ms. Danielle Yeow, Lead, Climate Change Law and Policy, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
Ms. Johanna Diwa-Acallar, Capacity Development Specialist, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
Ms. Viktoria Varga Lencses, Program Coordinator, Common Oceans Program; Senior Fishery Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

Segment 2: Showcasing the Ocean at COP29

Mr. Julio Cordano, Counselor, Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations in New York; Co-facilitator, Ocean & Climate Change Dialogue 2024
Ms. Loreley Picourt, Executive Director, Ocean & Climate Platform, Focal Point for Ocean and Coastal Zones, Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
Ms. Anna-Marie Laura, Senior Director, Climate Policy, Ocean Conservancy
Ms. Thecla Keizer, Deputy Head of International Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Ms. Catie Mitchell, Research Assistant, Global Ocean Forum

Moderator

Mr. Richard Delaney, Interim Executive Director, Center for Coastal Studies, US; President, Global Ocean Forum Board of Directors

Get Involved and Support the Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Participate

Register for free to access live and on–demand ocean and climate events, explore virtual exhibition booths, watch on-location COP29 reporting and interviews with delegates, test your Virtual Ocean Pavilion and COP29 knowledge with quizzes, access valuable opportunities for networking, and discover events and art exploring the ocean.

Connect

Have ideas for a live event, exhibit, or roundtable discussion? Please submit an Expression of Interest Form at your earliest convenience or contact the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Team (Miriam Balgos, Thecla Keizer, Catie Mitchell) and share your thoughts to ensure this year’s Pavilion is engaging and accessible for all.

This year, the Pavilion Team is focused on increasing participation and interaction at the Virtual Ocean Pavilion. Please consider sharing the Virtual Ocean Pavilion across your own networks of colleagues, classmates, friends, and family.

Support

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion is organized by volunteers who believe in its mission of raising the visibility of the ocean and showcasing why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet. Please consider donating to support this monumental effort and ensure that the Pavilion can continue to operate for many years to come. Donations will directly support the costs of virtual platform services, on-the-ground reporting at COP29, and everything that goes into making this event a success.

Donate Here

Highlights from the Past Virtual Ocean Pavilions

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion is a long-lasting resource for all. Reports from past iterations of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion are available on the Roadmap to Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA) Strategy webpage here. In addition, recordings of live events, resources from exhibits, and other information materials that were featured in the past pavilions are accessible with the links provided below.

Ocean & Climate News

Informal Report: 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue

*Breakout session during the 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue; Photo credit: IISD/ENG – Kiara Worth*

The Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue is mandated as an annual dialogue under the UNFCCC. Previous Dialogues (2020, 2022, 2023) focused on how to increase action to build resilience to a changing climate and cut emissions and identified the ocean-climate nexus as a place for sustainable climate-smart ocean and coastal solutions and actions, based on the best available science, that can be reflected in national climate goals, policies and strategies and effect a sustainable ocean economy, among other considerations.

Mr. Julio Cordano (Chile), and Niall O’Dea (Canada) are the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue co-facilitators for the biennium 2023-24. The 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue was held from 11-12 June in Bonn, France as part of the 2024 Bonn Climate Change Conference. The 2024 Dialogue focused on 1) Marine biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience; and 2) Technology needs for ocean-climate action, including finance links.

Key messages emerging from the Dialogue include the following:

The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due in February 2025, provides a great opportunity for Parties to enhance their ocean-based mitigation and adaptation efforts – noting that nature-based solutions should not be a substitute for drastic emissions reductions.
Parties are in need of additional guidance on how to fully leverage ocean-based measures in their national strategies, and highlighted the role of the Dialogue in carrying forward the conclusions of the Global Stocktake and guiding the revision of their NDCs.
The Dialogue should be following a clear roadmap to be defined for the years ahead in order to progressively address a variety of solutions and continuously take stock of progress made and remaining gaps to fill. It should also consider more focused topics to facilitate concrete action.
There is a clear need for increased cooperation and synergies within the UNFCCC and across frameworks, especially the Convention on Biological Diversity, the High Seas Treaty, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, the next UN Ocean Conference can act as a lever to accelerate ongoing processes.

An informal summary report of the discussion prepared by the co-facilitators is now available here.

High-level Meeting on Sea Level Rise

A group of people holding a large check

Description automatically generated — *Photo Credit: Ocean & Climate Platform*

The first-ever high-level plenary session focused on the challenges of sea level rise was held on 25 September 2024 during the 79^th UN General Assembly in New York. With an overall theme of “Addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise”, the high-level meeting focused on building common understanding, mobilizing political leadership, and promoting multisectoral, multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation towards addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise. During this meeting, the Global Center for Climate Mobility formally announced its support for the launch of the forthcoming Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition of Cities and Regions chaired by the city of Nice in preparation for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.

Publication Spotlight: Fishing and Aquaculture in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Perspectives

On 15 October, the day before the Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Day, the Ocean and Climate Platform (OCP) will unveil its new publication Fishing and Aquaculture in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Perspectives.

Developed within the framework of the Knowledge Dissemination (DIFCO) working group with the support of the Scientific Committee and around twenty members of the OCP, this publication deciphers the main findings of major scientific reports (IPCC, IPBES, FAO, WOA2), highlighting the deep connections between climate change, marine fisheries, and aquaculture activities.

The OCP will launch a five-day communication campaign over five days, starting on 14 October, to accompany this publication. Please see this Information Sheet for more detail. As part of this campaign, a communication toolkit is available in both French and English. The kit includes social media posts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), along with visuals and content to be shared on the indicated dates. The publication will be shared via the communication toolkits once it is finalized. Please note that the toolkit materials are embargoed until the indicated dates and until OCP’s official communication on its platforms.

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:

Regional Workshop for Latin America on the BBNJ Agreement, 14-18 October 2024, Chile
16^th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), 21 October – 1 November 2024, Colombia
12^th Annual World Congress of Ocean, 12-14 November 2024, Singapore
UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June 2025, France
BBNJ Symposium, 18-19 February 2025, Singapore

Prepared by Catie Mitchell, Miriam Balgos, and Thecla Keizer

October 11, 2024

Ocean & Climate News

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

*Members of the GOF Board of Directors in New York, New York for the UN Ocean Conference Preparatory Meeting (L-R: Miriam Balgos, Tony MacDonald, Indumathie Hewawasam). Photo by Pedro Zapata*

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:

12^th 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

*Virtual Lobby of the UNFCCC COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion*

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

Project Manager Miriam Balgos receiving a certificate of completion following the Pacific Regional BBNJ Workshop organized by DOALOS and OPOC (L-R: Charlotte Salpin, DOALOS; Miriam Balgos, GOF; Dr. Filimon Manoni, OPOC). Photo by Mereseini Marau

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

July 24, 2024

Ocean & Climate News

June 8, 2024

Happy World Ocean Day and welcome to the June 2024 edition of Ocean & Climate News! This issue provides an overview of recent and upcoming ocean events and continues with highlights of additional relevant ocean and climate news and GOF news.

As a special note, the Global Ocean Forum encourages one and all to celebrate World Ocean Day today! Proposed in 1992 by the government of Canada and officially launched by The Ocean Project in 2002, World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate in collaboration with global partners. The 2024 action theme for World Ocean Day is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean and Climate.

Ocean & Climate News

4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) was held from 27-30 May 2024 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the theme of “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,” the Conference sought to assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development. The fourth in a series of conferences held every 10 years, SIDS4 convened the international community to review SIDS’ sustainable development progress and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to fast-track their path to resilient prosperity.

Upon the conclusion of the conference, world leaders adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS: A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, a 10-year plan of action on how to achieve sustainable development of SIDS with support from the international community. To help SIDS meet their ambitions for resilient prosperity, countries agreed to facilitate easier access to affordable and concessional finance, increase the effectiveness of development finance, scale-up biodiversity climate finance, in line with existing obligations and commitments and urgently accelerate climate action. Other areas of focus included the ocean-based economy, science, technology and innovation, and monitoring and evaluation, including improving data collection and analysis in SIDS. (United Nations)

The Global Ocean Forum (GOF) was pleased to have organized a virtual side event during SIDS4 entitled Integrated approaches to ocean governance in the context of climate change, the BBNJ Agreement, and Small Island Developing States, together with the University of the South Pacific, Solomon Islands National University, the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, and the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. This event included a high-level panel discussion on integrated and collaborative approaches used to progress the ocean in the climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development agendas. The event underscored the opportunities provided by the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement to explore the biodiversity conservation, mitigation and adaptation potential of the vast high seas, along with its ecosystems and resources. See here for a summary report of the event. Watch a recording of the event here.

Bonn Climate Change Conference

The 60th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 60) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are currently being held at the World Conference Center Bonn in Bonn, Germany from 3-13 June 2024. The conference continues discussions on issues of critical importance, such as the Global Stocktake, Global Goal on Adaptation, just transition, loss and damage and the mitigation work program. The conference is expected to make progress on these and other important issues and prepare draft decisions for adoption at COP 29 / CMP 19 / CMA 6 at Azerbaijan to be held from 11-22 November 2024. In conjunction with SBSTA 60, the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2024 will be held from 11-12 June 2024. The dialogue will focus on the topics of: 1) marine biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience; and 2) technology needs for the ocean-climate action, including finance links. For more information on past dialogues, see here.

Preparation for United Nations Ocean Conference

In advance of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference that will be held in June 2025, a stakeholder meeting entitled High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change is being convened in San Jose, Costa Rica from 7-8 June 2024 in an attempt to generate national, regional, and global ocean solutions in an inclusive manner, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders. This stakeholder meeting is organized by the government of Costa Rica and will serve as a platform for the exchange of best practices and successful experiences related to ocean governance and health. The meeting aims to highlight topics of global significance to the ocean and drive specific implementation actions to address the severe environmental crisis it faces. Panels will address fishing resources, ghost gear, blue economy, technology, marine plastic pollution, effective implementation of global agreements, and more.

On 2 July 2024, a preparatory meeting will be convened by the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. The two host countries of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, France and Costa Rica, will co-chair the meeting.

Ocean Literacy World Conference

Just in time for World Ocean Day, the Ocean Literacy World Conference is taking place in Venice, Italy from 7-8 June 2024. Organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO in collaboration with the Prada Group, the Government of Italy, and the Municipality of Venice, the conference brings together the ocean literacy and education community to promote a more harmonious and better-informed relationship between humans and the ocean. The Venice Declaration–an ocean literacy declaration which will provide concrete recommendations for integrating ocean literacy into policy-making efforts–will be developed and signed during the conference. To contribute to the effort, consider taking this short survey to help guide the creation of the Venice Declaration.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week

Organized by the US National Marine Sanctuary Foundation every June in Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) brings together U.S. scientists, policymakers, scholars, businesses and conservation leaders to address pressing conservation, science, and management issues facing the ocean and Great Lakes. With a thematic focus on leadership, CHOW 2024 (which occurred 4-6 June 2024) called upon leaders from all walks of life to come together to drive attention and innovation to protect our ocean and center people at the core of ocean solutions.

BBNJ Informal Dialogues

During the 3 June BBNJ Informal Dialogue, delegates had the opportunity to share updates on the BBNJ Agreement process, particularly in the lead up to the first official UN meeting at the end of June to organize the preparatory process. Part 1 of the June BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on the upcoming organizational meeting of the Preparatory Commission and featured a presentation from the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. Part 2 continued discussions from previous BBNJ Informal Dialogues on the establishment of a clearing-house mechanism and featured presentations on clearing-house mechanisms of the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Environment Program as well as a presentation by Dr. Marjo Vierros highlighting lessons learned from past and existing clearinghouse mechanisms based on a policy brief from the Common Oceans Capacity Project. A copy of this presentation is available here. Part 3 explored the capacity-building and technical assistance needs of developing countries with a view to becoming parties to the BBNJ Agreement in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 78/272. Finally, Part 4 concluded with the sharing of BBNJ-related initiatives organized or in preparation by delegates.

Citizen of the Ocean Youth-led World Forum

https://globaloceanforum.com/4th-international-conference-on-small-island-developing-states-sids4/

Calling ocean enthusiasts and champions 18-30 years old worldwide! Throughout 2024 and 2025, Nausicaa is organizing Citizen of the Ocean, a global youth-led forum, which aims at:

Drawing up youth priorities for sustainable and equitable ocean;
Making an inventory of effective and innovative ocean-based solutions to Ocean Decade challenges;
Designing the content of the Ocean Citizen networking tool for mobilising a community of practice.

To achieve this, there will be five rounds of online regional workshops in 2024, an Ocean Citizen Summit in France in spring 2025, and a youth advocacy during international events (in particular the UN Ocean Conference 2025).

Applicants will be evaluated in terms of their age eligibility, motivation, commitment, availability. 100 participants from all continents will be chosen for the Citizen of the Ocean Youth-led Forum. The selection process will ensure inclusion and diversity of participants in terms of occupation, residence, nationality, field and levels of education, interests, and gender.

Registration has been extended! Apply by 15 June 2024: Registration Form

Additional Upcoming Ocean Events in 2024-2025

There will be several major ocean events to look forward to in 2024 and 2025, including the following:

East Asian Seas Congress 2024 (to be held in collaboration with Xiamen World Ocean Week), 6-8 November 2024, Xiamen, China
- The Global Ocean Forum is looking forward to participating in EAS Congress 2024 with a virtual side event as a preview event to the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COP29 – more details to come
12^th Annual World Congress of Ocean, 12-14 November 2024, Singapore
UNFCCC COP29, 11-22 November 2024, Azerbaijan
- See below for information on the GOF’s plans for participating in COP29
UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June 2025, France

Global Ocean Forum News

Cross-sectoral Project

The Cross-sectoral Project organized regional stakeholder dialogues in each of its two pilot regions, the Southeast Pacific and Pacific Islands, as the first step in broader stakeholder engagement which aims to include representatives of relevant ministries, relevant regional bodies, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other civil society groups. Designated representatives from national ministries and regional bodies provided input on the proposed project activities to ensure the project stays true to its co-design and co-implementation approach. The main Year 1 activities of the project include a capacity needs assessment to evaluate existing capacity for ABNJ management and governance in the Southeast Pacific and the Pacific Islands region and the development of an ABNJ governance platform. As a first step of the capacity needs analysis, the project and its stakeholders will now focus efforts on fast-tracking the development of national and regional ABNJ profiles for all target countries and pilot regions. The information gathered through this baseline analysis can also support country efforts for ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Program Development

With the launch of the Global Ocean Forum Strategic Plan 2024-2030 in May 2024, the GOF now turns its focus towards the final step in its transition planning process, program development.

This phase of the GOF transition process will involve the formulation of projects and actions to implement the strategic plan; identifying the greatest opportunities to explore/provide leadership in each of the focal areas of the strategic plan; identifying opportunities with low risk and high return; and developing a strategic action plan for implementation. A theory of change for each focal area will be developed to demonstrate a clear pathway to the achievement of intermediate and contribution to high-level global goals. The GOF Policy Advisory Board will be invited to continue supporting the GOF in program development and will be guided by members of the GOF Board of Directors and staff.

COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

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. It aims to democratize the ocean and promote unity and inclusivity, whilst increasing knowledge, commitment, and action for the ocean-climate nexus at key events during the meetings of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP). It is also a key tool in increasing transparency and equitable access to climate discussions and information. The first Virtual Ocean Pavilion was held during the UNFCCC COP26 (Glasgow, 31 October – 12 November 2021) and continued at COP27 (Sharm El Sheik, 6 – 18 November 2022) and most recently, at COP28 (Dubai, 30 November – 12 December 2023).

To help continue to realize the ocean and climate change agenda through the Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the UNFCCC COP, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion co-organizers are now welcoming sponsors as well as additional collaborating partners for the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. The design of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion will take into consideration the cascade of ocean and climate-related events in 2023-2024, the COP29 priorities, as well as the lessons learned in the development of the platform and feedback received from the survey of COP28 Pavilion attendees.

All expressions of interest, contributions and donations to support the organization of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion are welcome. For more information on past Virtual Ocean Pavilions, please see here. For those interested in collaborating on the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion, please contact sdavidson@globaloceanforum.com, mbalgos@globaloceanforum.com, or tke@pml.ac.uk.

June 8, 2024

22 December 2025

COP30 Key Outcomes

Perspectives on the Ocean Outcomes of COP30

The Global Ocean Forum at UNFCCC COP30

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

2024-2025 Report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action (ROCA Report)

Official UNFCCC COP30 Side Event

Why the ocean matters in climate negotiations

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

Ocean and Climate Events in 2026

Meet Marea Hatziolos: Our Newest Board Member

Support the Global Ocean Forum

UNFCCC COP30

COP30 Thematic Program

About the Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Join the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Features

Register for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Collaborate with the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Partners

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Team

First Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement

Ocean and Climate Events and Opportunities

Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project

Support the Global Ocean Forum

Advancing Multi-stakeholder and Intergenerational Initiatives for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Ocean

Ocean & Climate Updates

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

Ocean Events & Opportunities

Support the Global Ocean Forum

Ocean & Climate Recent Events

Cross-sectoral Project Updates

Ocean Events & Opportunities

Support the Global Ocean Forum

The COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

What is the Virtual Ocean Pavilion?

Explore the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Dive into the Exhibition Hall

Join our Live Events

Preview the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion at the 2024 East Asian Seas Congress

Get Involved and Support the Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Participate

Connect

Share

Support

Highlights from the Past Virtual Ocean Pavilions

Ocean & Climate News

Informal Report: 2024 Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue

High-level Meeting on Sea Level Rise

Publication Spotlight: Fishing and Aquaculture in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Perspectives

Additional Upcoming Ocean Events in 2024-2025

Ocean & Climate Recent Events

Global Ocean Forum News