UNESCO-IOC at the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16)

At this meeting, Parties will discuss key issues on marine and coastal biodiversity, and set out the system for monitoring, reporting and assessment of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF). It will also provide a platform for the global community to share experiences, developments, resources, and strengthen partnerships to support the Framework's implementation and goals.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) will take part in COP16 in side events and in the official programme coordinated by the CBD Secretariat.

See below for full list of events:

UNESCO-IOC: Tools to support nations for ocean biodiversity conservation and management

️ Friday 25 October ⏰ 12:30 - 14:00 local time UN Colombia Pavilion

From ocean observations to data systems, prediction, policy and key ocean research into topics such as multiple ocean stressors impacting biodiversity, UNESCO-IOC provides different assets to help parties protect ocean biodiversity and better manage their ocean resources. This session will include a brief overview of the range of IOC's support and tools, latest findings presented in the State of the Ocean Report, the Ocean Decade ecosystem and biodiversity goals, and then show these in action supporting biodiversity management through local examples.

Event programme

The Ocean Decade and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

️ Sunday 27 October ⏰ 08:00 - 08:45 local time UN Pavilion Blue Zone

This session will provide an overview of the Ocean Decade and how it contributes to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Building on the outcomes of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, it will then present future perspectives for the Ocean Decade to further support State Parties and non-State actors to generate and apply science and knowledge to meet the vision and targets of the Framework, with a particular focus on the lead-up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference.

Speakers include:

• Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary, UNESCO-IOC: Welcome and Introduction to the role of the Ocean Decade in the GBF
• Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientist, DEFRA UK; Decade Advisory Board Member: The importance of the Ocean Decade for GBF implementation from global to local levels
• Alumita Sekinairai, Ocean Voices Fellow: The Ocean Decade contribution to GBF Implementation - an example from the Ocean Voices Decade Programme
• Malu Nunes, Executive Director, Boticario Foundation & Kimberly Mathisen, CEO, Hub Ocean: What role for philanthropy and industry in GBF implementation via the Ocean Decade

Ocean Day ️Sunday 27 October ⏰ 09:00 - 18:00 local time GBF Pavilion Blue Zone

The Ocean Day is part of the official programme held by the CBD Secretariat. The IOC is delighted to be part of the programme with opening speakers and a dedicated session in collaboration with ISA and UNEP.

Full Programmehere

Watch the livestream

High-level Opening Session

⏰ 09:00 - 10:00 local time

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the UNESCO-IOC and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, will take part in the official opening session of Ocean Day.

Science & Technology For Action

⏰ 14:30 - 15:30 local time

Co-organizers: UNESCO-IOC, ISA, UNEP

The event will focus on transformative approaches and innovation, including technology that is being used by the IOC and Ocean Decade partners, to enhance the usefulness (i.e. quality, quantity, coverage, precision, etc.) of knowledge for GBF implementation, and highlight remaining gaps that the IOC and Ocean Decade can fill. It will also explore user perspective from across society - success stories of where policy and decision making has been successful because of science and knowledge.

The event will also launch a major new publication showcasing success stories from Ocean Decade Actions in achieving the ambitious targets of the GBF.

Programme

Welcome and introduction: Alison Clausen, Deputy Coordinator, UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, UNESCO-IOC

Keynote opening: Susan Gardner, Director, Ecosystems Division, UNEP

Segment 1: Connecting across the ocean science value chain to support GBF implementation:

• Sophie Seeyave: CEO, Partnership for Observations of the Global Oceans (POGO)
• Paula Sierra Correa: Information and Research Coordinator, INVEMAR
• Gideon Henderson: Chief Scientist, DEFRA UK; Decade Advisory Board Member

Segment 2: From the real world: success stories of use of science and knowledge for GBF implementation:

• David Obura: Founding Director, CORDIO East Africa
• Cesar Penaherrera: Science Director, MigraMar
• David Barrios: Science Manager, MarViva
• Closing remarks:
• Jose Dallo: Director, Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources, International Seabed Authority (ISA)
• Juan Camilo Forero Hauzeur: Executive Secretary of the Colombian Ocean Commission and Vice-Chair of UNESCO-IOC

Linking Sustainable Ocean Plans with the Global Biodiversity Framework

️ Monday 28 October ⏰ 09:40 - 10:40 local time CAF Pavilion Blue Zone

Programmehere

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the UNESCO-IOC and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, will take part in this session.

Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) provide a holistic approach to ocean management, integrating economic activities with the effective protection of marine environments to achieve the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

This side event in the CAF pavilion will explore the links between Sustainable Ocean Plans and the Global Biodiversity Framework, specifically focusing on Targets 1, 3, 5, and 10. The event will:

1. Highlight the importance of SOPs in achieving 100% sustainable ocean management.
2. Showcase successful examples of SOPs from different countries.
3. Discuss the technical, political, and financial challenges in developing and implementing SOPs.
4. Provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to advance the goals of the GBF.

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