The CBD’s State of Biodiversity Action report, published ahead of the conference, highlights progress in integrating biodiversity into national strategies, but warns that implementation must accelerate to meet the 2030 targets. Persistent gaps in marine and coastal restoration, effective management, finance and monitoring reinforce the need for a less siloed, more integrated approach to ocean management.
The report also highlighted key methodologies including Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) adding the 19 members of the Ocean Panel had committed to develop sustainable ocean plans for 100 per cent of marine areas under national jurisdiction of participating countries by 2030. This further cemented the relationship between action on biodiversity and SOPs as well as how they can help countries address challenges by aligning decisions across ocean sectors, connecting national commitments with implementation and investment, and supporting sustainable management of all national waters.
The Ocean Panel and its partners brought these priorities to three events at COP17:
- From Ratification to Implementation: National Experiences and Lessons Learned on the BBNJ Agreement explored implementation challenges and the partnerships and technical support countries need to put the High Seas Treaty into practice.
- Sustainable Ocean Plans as a Tool for Delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework showcased how integrated ocean planning can help align National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with coordinated action across marine sectors.
- High Seas, Shared Responsibility: Partnerships for BBNJ Implementation and Global Biodiversity Goals highlighted the cooperation needed to support countries in implementing the BBNJ Agreement and delivering global biodiversity goals.
Separately, announcements and initiatives involving Ocean Panel members at COP17 and in the lead-up to the conference demonstrated how national action, international cooperation and investment can contribute to global biodiversity goals.
Norway announced a contribution of ~ US$12 million to Global Nature Watch, which is expanding beyond forest monitoring to cover other ecosystems, helping governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and civil society identify areas of ecosystem loss and opportunities for restoration. Norway also established the Andfjorden Marine Protected Area in September, covering approximately 1,848.5 square kilometers which contributes to the protection of a diverse range of marine habitats, including coral reefs, sponge communities, kelp forests and important fish spawning and nursery grounds.
Canada, Fiji, Mexico and the United Kingdom joined the founding governments of the Coalition of Action to Recover Endangered Species (CARES), launched by Colombia and Armenia at COP17. The coalition aims to accelerate action to prevent extinctions and support the recovery of threatened species, contributing to GBF Target 4.
