Ocean & Coasts

A healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems are vitally important for humans and the environment. The ocean regulates the climate, absorbs much of the carbon dioxide emitted from human activity, and provides fish, the main source of protein for over three billion people. The ecosystem goods and services the ocean provides are estimated to be worth USD 12 trillion. The biological diversity of ocean and coastal regions also provides important services including food security, feed for livestock, raw materials for medicines, building materials from coral rock and sand, and natural defenses against coastal erosion and flooding. Millions of people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their food security, income, and socio-cultural and economic development. Human activities put pressure on coastal and marine ecosystems, including through climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Ninety percent of the world's fisheries are either fully or over-exploited. Eight million tons of plastics enter the sea each year and contaminate a quarter of all seafood. Eighty percent of wastewater is discharged without treatment, damaging human health and biodiversity.

Events and Articles

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68th Meeting of the GEF Council

The 32-member Council will consider a new work program under the GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8) totaling USD 564.3 million, which is expected to generate USD 4.15 billion in co-financing for projects benefitting people and the planet.
Event 16 December 2024 - 20 December 2024

Towards Living in Harmony with the Ocean from Coasts to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Synergies between the BBNJ Agreement and work under the CBD

The adoption in June 2023 of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement signified a change in tides, not only for ocean governance in areas beyond national jurisdiction, but also for biodiversity conservation. With the expectation that the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and ratification of the BBNJ Agreement will soon come into fruition, stakeholders are becoming increasingly aware of the possible opportunities and challenges that it may bring. This side event considered how the BBNJ Agreement can work in synergy with efforts undertaken by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including the GBF.
Event 23 October 2024

69th Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC69)

Existential fault lines may remain, but the Commission’s civil and efficient deliberations resulted in some groundbreaking advances, demonstrating it can protect whales not only from hunting, but from other threats, including bycatch, entanglements, vessel strikes, climate change, underwater noise, and pollution.
Event 23 September 2024 - 27 September 2024

2nd Part of the 29th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority

As well as talks that may shape the negotiations on deep-sea mining, some ISA members have suggested an additional agenda item on a general policy of the ISA for the protection and preservation of the marine environment. The Assembly is also expected to hold elections for the position of ISA Secretary-General.
Event 15 July 2024 - 2 August 2024

67th Meeting of the GEF Council

Council concluded deliberations on a heavy agenda, confirming key decisions taken throughout the four days of meetings including the first ever work program for the newly established GBFF, and the largest ever LDCF work program.
Event 17 June 2024 - 20 June 2024