Oceans & Blue Carbon at COP28

Launch of the 2030 coral reef breakthrough

16:30 – 17:30 | UNEP Pavilion, Blue Zone

About: The High-level Coral Reef Breakthrough Launch event will mark a watershed moment in the history of global action to save the world’s most threatened ecosystem. The event will convene state leaders, renowned experts, and private sector executives to launch the first-ever global targets for coral reefs, aiming to secure their future existence and their vast ecosystem benefits supporting more than 500 million people globally.

Watch recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBliRLVjAaU&t=23047s

Ocean Decade 2030: Science & Partnerships for Climate Action through the Ocean Decade

09.30-12.00 | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: IOC-UNESCO

Watch recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtOm5cvj03c

Blue Carbon: Africa’s Silent Weapon

11:00-12:00 | Virtual

Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/szx-pnhd-ity

Or dial: +1 413-346-5462 PIN: 720 900 028# More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/szx-pnhd-ity?pin=1715395192464

Blue Carbon in Focus: Shaping Sustainable Futures through a Blue Carbon Policy Forum

14.45-16.00 | Commonwealth Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Commonwealth Secretariat Commonwealth Blue Charter, Fair Carbon, International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), IOC-UNESCO, GO-BC

About: The “Blue Carbon Policy Forum,” aims to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange on the critical issue of blue carbon science and policy. This event will bring together government representatives, scientific experts, and NGOs from the Commonwealth nations to discuss the existing gaps and challenges to conserve and restore mangroves, seagrass, and tidal salt marshes.

Article 6.4 Supervisory Body Side Event

18.30-20.00 | SE Room 4, Blue Zone

Organisers: Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

About: The side event will be an opportunity to present updates on processes, institutions and functions on the SB6.4 work and initiate a discussion on the way ahead.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVe846lEzbc

The Mangrove Breakthrough – Mobilizing Capital at Scale for Crucial Coastal Ecosystems

08.30-09.30 | Nature Positive Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Conservation International, Global Mangroves Alliance, UN High Level Climate Champions, Systemiq

About: Launch of the Mangrove Breakthrough Financial Roadmap, offering actionable recommendations for scaling mangrove-positive business models and innovative financial instruments.

https://nature4climate.org/cop-28-event/the-mangrove-breakthrough-mobilizing-capital-at-scale-for-crucial-coastal-ecosystems/

Coordinating for greater ocean-based climate change ambition: A UN-Oceans perspective

11.30-13.00 | SE Room 7, Blue Zone

Organisers: Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), FAO, IOC/UNESCO, IAEA, UNFCCC, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP

About: Following the Ocean-Climate Dialogue and the GST, this event will showcase how UN-Oceans is building synergies at all levels for ocean-based mitigation and adaptation, and how collaboration for climate-smart ocean management can contribute to increased ambition for a greater collective impact.

Speakers: Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, UN Legal Counsel, and UN-Ocean Focal Point, UN Agencies representatives, representatives of States and stakeholder groups.

Ocean-Climate-Society: the UNFCC & ocean mitigation, adaptation, finance and capacity building

15.00-16.00 | SE Room 7, Blue Zone

Organisers: Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Blue Marine Foundation, European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD), Fondation BNP Paribas

About: Ocean ecosystems & coastal communities are being impacted by climate change, but the ocean also offers adaptation & mitigation actions. We will show examples of adaptation, governance and finance framework opportunities, incl. for the global south, collaboration and ocean integration in the UNFCCC.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtPZtl1fJ6Q

Implementation Lab: Coastal Zone Resilience on Accelerating Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience: Financing and Policy Tools

16.00-17.00 | Lab 1 (Al Shaheen), Blue Zone

Organisers: Ocean Risk & Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), Conservation International, Ocean & Climate Platform

About: Roundtable on how to accelerate the implementation of nature-based solutions for coastal adaptation and resilience at scale, including financing, investment and policy pathways. The Lab will identify next steps needed for building the next generation of resilient infrastructure to reduce flood risk in coastal zones and to protect climate vulnerable coastal people.

Promoting Robust Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems Governance

17.30-18.50 | Indonesia Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: CIFOR-ICRAF

About: Session focuses on difficulties related to tropical mangrove conservation, restoration, and management by presenting Indonesia’s primary initiatives and implementation strategies aimed at enhancing mangrove ecosystem resilience and social and economic advantages to coastal communities while simultaneously contributing to national and global commitments.

National Adaptation Plans: key milestones and achievements

18.30-20.00 | SE Room 6, Blue Zone

Organisers: Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

About: To launch the 2023 progress in NAPs; highlight adaptation efforts of the developing countries showcased at the NAP Expos in 2023; and discuss key developments in support for adaptation

Speakers: LEG; NAP Tracking subgroup; LDCs and other Parties; GCF, GEF, AF.

Business Leadership in the Voluntary Carbon Market: A Catalyst for Global Climate Solutions

13:00 – 14:00 | The Nature Conservancy pavilion in the Blue Zone, Zone B7, Building 87, second floor

Organisers: Natural Climate Solutions Alliance

More info: https://Inkd.in/ghYF4KQ7

Beyond Blue Carbon: Maximizing the Benefits of Coastal Wetland NDC Commitments for Climate, People, and Nature

13.45-15.00 | Commonwealth Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: The Commonwealth Blue Charter and The Pew Charitable Trusts

About: Event on the experiences of countries that have included coastal wetlands within their NDCs, and the policy, financing, and stakeholder outreach mechanisms being deployed for NDC development and implementation.

Ocean x Climate Roundtable series: Creating a Common Agenda for our Shared Ocean

15.00-17.00 | UNESCO x OCEANX Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Oceanic Global

About: The third edition of Oceanic Global’s bi-annual roundtable series in partnership with IOC UNESCO is here! The discussion will continue to bring diverse stakeholder groups together to further advance the ocean-climate agenda.

More info: https://oceanic.global/projects/roundtable-creating-a-common-agenda-for-our-shared-ocean/

Coral Action in a Sustainable Blue Economy Framework: The Case of the Red Sea

17.00-18.00 | OCEAN Pavilion, Blue Zone, Building 87 (Thematic Area 4)

About: Presentation of the Council for African and Arab littoral states of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to protect and sustain the sea basin, as a case study of how collaborative efforts can enable coral action at scale.

Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/SerCLug5rC8?feature=share&themeRefresh=1

Panel Discussion and Highlights from the film Blue Carbon: Unleashing Nature’s Superpower

13.00-14.30 | Centre for the Planet, Blue Zone

Organisers: Conservation International, Salesforce, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Erol Foundation, Make Waves, NASA

About: Conversation bringing together the community leaders featured in the new film with leaders from science, government, and the private sector to understand how global action must meet local action to realize the promise of blue carbon for the climate, for communities and for biodiversity.

From Pledges to Action for Corals

13.15 – 14.15 | Science for Climate Action Pavilion, Blue Zone (section B7 88, pavilion number 115)

About: Discussion on how to move from words to action on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) global targets #ForCorals by 2030, to protect and restore the rainforests of the sea for future generations.

More info: https://cordap.org/news/cordap-at-cop28-supporting-climate-action-to-save-corals/

Carbon and Biodiversity Credits: Directing Finance for Climate and Nature

15:00 – 16:00 | The Nature Conservancy pavilion in the Blue Zone, Zone B7, Building 87, second floor

Organisers: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

more info: https://Inkd.in/gJtPcxUF

Empowering youth for wetland conservation and addressing climate change in the Pacific

17.00-18.00 | Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP), Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands

About: The event aims to address how wetland conservation is critical for addressing climate change and building climate resilience in the Pacific. It will also explore how youth can further lead this effort and provide a platform to express high-level commitments from member countries and regional organizations to make this commitment into reality.

Addressing climate change and biodiversity synergistically: Scaling up implementation for success

11.30-13.00 | SE Room 6, Blue Zone

Organisers: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Mobilizing Industry and Society to Conserve and Restore Coral Reefs

12.00-13.00 | Science for Climate Action Pavilion, Blue Zone (B7 88, pavilion 115)

About: Exploration of key topics, including how industries can invest in coral reef conservation as part of their corporate social responsibility and the role of local communities in coral conservation, from capacity-building and sustainable livelihoods to community-led restoration projects.

Live stream: https://fcs.tv/

Financing ocean climate action and OECMs through innovative approaches

13.15-14.45 | SE Room 6, Blue Zone

Organisers: Rare, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance Inc. (ORRAA)

About: This event will showcase innovative financial solutions that drive capital to locally managed, nature-based solutions like OECMs to achieve global goals on climate change and biodiversity.

Next round of NDCs

13.15-14.45 | SE Room 4, Blue Zone

Organisers: Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

About: Parties informed about the NDC submission cycle, its timelines, and NDC relevant guidance, on top of an overview of support organisations that showcase their preparations to support the development of the 2025 NDCs.

Speakers: UNFCCC, UNDP, RCCs, country representatives

COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion: Connecting All on Our Incredible Blue Planet

15.00-16.30 | Virtual Ocean Pavilion https://cop28oceanpavilion.vfairs.com/

Organisers: GFCR, GMA, ICRI, UNDP, HLCC

About: Event centring on the Ocean Breakthroughs which are integral to the Sharm el Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The session will feature in-depth presentations on the Mangrove and Coral Reef Breakthroughs, highlighting both the Breakthroughs’ spatial and financial targets.

Accelerating Marine Nature Based Solutions through Sustainable Ocean Plans

16.30-17.45 | Commonwealth Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: The Commonwealth Blue Charter, World Resources Institute (WRI), UK

About: Forum to discuss diverse government and practitioner experiences from around the globe in efforts to accelerate marine NbS projects. The event will be also launching the Commonwealth Blue Charters Blueing the NDCs report.

Blue Carbon Coastal Wetlands in Climate Action: Taking Stock of Nature-Based Solutions in Practice

18.00-19.30 followed by drinks reception | SE Room 6, Blue Zone

Organisers: International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), Ocean and Climate Platform, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Australia, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO)

About: Lessons learnt in implementing and updating countries’ commitments for the conservation and restoration and protection of coastal mangrove, seagrass and saltmarsh ecosystems, within national and subnational climate action supported by global partnerships.

Speakers: The Pew Charitable Trusts (Moderator), Ocean & Climate Platform, International Partnership for Blue Carbon, IOC/UNESCO, Climate Change and Development Authority (Papua New Guinea), Office of the Prime Minister (Fiji)

National Adaptation Plans: key milestones and achievements

18.30-20.00 | SE Room 9, Blue Zone

Organiser: Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

About: Launch the 2023 progress in NAPs; highlight adaptation efforts of the developing countries showcased at the NAP Expos in 2023; and discuss key developments in support for adaptation.

Financing Nature-based Solutions

09.00-10.00 | Australia Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: Australia

About: Panel focusing on the challenges and opportunities to accelerate financing for nature-based solutions, with perspectives from the Australian Government, international environmental organisations, and the private sector. Showcase early outcomes from the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund and announce the next four projects that Australia will fund in the Indo-Pacific.

From Agreement to Action: Harnessing 30×30 to Tackle Climate Change

09.00-10.30 | Room tbc, Blue Zone

Organisers: COP28 Presidency, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC N&P), Campaign for Nature, UN High-level Climate Champions

About: This high-level event will bring together governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society, and private sector actors to take stock of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as a key climate action lever one year after its adoption.

More info: https://www.cop28.com/en/nature-events/ministerial-on-land

Navigating the Blue Future: Unlocking Sustainable Finance for Commonwealth’s Ocean Economy

09.30-10.45 | Commonwealth Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: Commonwealth Secretariat, Ocean Risk Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)

About: Exploring new and emerging financial mechanisms that can support sustainable blue investment, with a particular focus on small states.

Strengthening Forest Management

09.45-11.15 | Kenya Pavilion, Blue Zone

About: Restoration and Monitoring through Innovative Satellite Solutions; and Emerging Initiatives and Technologies for Accelerating NDC Implementation

Sustaining Our Seas: Partnerships for a Thriving Blue Carbon Economy

10.30 to 11.50 | Indonesia Pavilion

Organisers: The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia and its partners

About: A comprehensive exploration of the blue carbon economy’s potential and the critical role that partnerships play in realizing this potential by featuring diverse perspectives, success stories, and expert insights. The session aims to inspire action and collaboration towards a more sustainable and resilient future through conducting a takshow session at Indonesia Pavilion COP 28 UNFCCC.

Protecting Blue Carbon: promoting marine conservation and maritime security partnerships for protecting blue carbon sinks in the Galapagos

11.00 to 12.15 | Panda Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: WWF-USA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime

About: Climate resilience for vulnerable coastal communities and robust blue carbon sinks rely on well-protected marine environments. WWF and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime will feature collaborative maritime security and improved legal finishes for crimes against the environment by showcasing WWF partnerships in Ecuador.

A Breakthrough Moment for Mangroves: Delivering Global Action on Mangrove Restoration and Protection

12.30-14.00 | Connect Conference Auditorium, Green Zone

Organisers: COP28 Presidency, UAE, Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), UN High-level Climate Champions

About: This ministerial brings together the major partnerships and initiatives behind the Mangrove Breakthrough – the global target to restore and protect 15 million hectares of mangroves and halt mangrove destruction by 2030.

More info: https://www.cop28.com/en/nature-events/mangrove-ministerial

Harnessing the Power of Society and the Private Sector #ForCoral

12.30-13.30 | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone

About: Hosted by CORDAP, this event will highlight the necessity for a judicious, comprehensive, multilevel approach, underscoring collaboration among the private sector, key stakeholders, research institutions, and society. Addressing aspects of international collaboration, funding mechanisms, and donor support, the event aims to delineate a strategic trajectory towards a future where coral ecosystems can thrive.

Powering Ocean Breakthroughs through Sustainable Ocean Planning

14.00-15.30 | Room tbc, Blue Zone

Organisers: COP28 Presidency, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (HLP), UN High-level Climate Champions, Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action

About: This high-level event will cast a spotlight on the Ocean and country commitments towards the 100% Sustainable Ocean Management goal, and showcase tangible actions supporting implementation of the Ocean Breakthrough.

More info: https://www.cop28.com/en/nature-events/ocean-ministerial

Making the Most of the Coast: Best Practice on Marine Nature-Based Solutions

14.30-15.15 | UK Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: UK

MPAs as Ocean Nature-based Solutions to Mitigate and Address Climate Change

14.30-15.30 | U.S. Center, Blue Zone

Organiser: U.S. NOAA

About: The International Partnership on MPAs, Biodiversity and Climate Change was an outcome from COP25 to provide leadership and international scientific collaboration to advance the role marine protected areas (MPAs) play in conserving biodiversity and mitigating and addressing climate change. This event will speak to the importance of international collaboration on ocean nature-based solutions to address climate change and announce deliverables that advance the understanding of the role MPAs play.

Global Mangrove Alliance: Accelerating Action and Financing for Nature-Based Solutions

14.30-15.30 | Philippines Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: Philippines

Forging a Sustainable Future for the Ocean

14.30-16.00 | Knowledge Hub Stage, Green Zone

Organisers: Conservation International, UN Global Compact, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Barbados, DP World, CMA CGM, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Minderoo Foundation, Sustainalytics, DP World, UAE, UNEP

About: Dialogue on the importance of nature-based solutions, discussing the status of progress on mangroves conservation and emerging solutions including the seaweed revolution with potential to address multiple crises (climate, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution amongst others) and, at the same time, inspiring action by other governments and global corporations.

Accelerating Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience: Financing and Policy Tools

16.00-17.00 | Implementation Lab 1 (Al Shaheen), Blue Zone

Organisers: Conservation International, Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance

About: Panel discussing how to accelerate the implementation of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience at scale, including pathways for financing and increasing investment into these solutions.

Unheard Voices: Emerging Leadership in Coral Conservation and Restoration from the Global South

16.00-17.00 | Science for Climate Action Pavilion, Blue Zone & Livestream

Organiser: G20 CORDAP

About: Bringing together leaders, coral experts, and youth advocates to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Global South on coral restoration and conservation and address the unique struggles in safeguarding corals and coral reefs.

Assessing the Climate and Biodiversity Crisis in Mangroves: Insights from IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

16.00-17.15 | lUCN Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: IUCN

About: Mangrove ecosystems are critical and unique coastal systems that serve as an interface between terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. The interlinkages between the climate and biodiversity crisis are especially visible in mangrove ecosystems, where they generate complex feedback loops. Mangrove ecosystems provide essential protection to coastal populations against increasingly strong storms, and sea level rise, and provide invaluable carbon stock with increasing recognition in the blue carbon discussions.

More info: https://tockify.com/iucnpavilion/detail/57/1702123200000

Scaling up the ambition on blue carbon

16.30-18.00 | France Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: High Level Ambition Group (HILAG) of the International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), with the support of International Partnership for Blue Carbon, French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, French Development Agency (AFD), Australia, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO), Ocean Visions, Ocean and Climate Platform, Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves

About: Advancing ocean-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate-change while addressing the triple planetary crisis requires attention to synergies between science, finance, and policies. Here, panelists will tackle critical questions regarding the viability and effectiveness of various ocean solutions, discuss what countries do, and share examples of their ambition on blue carbon and beyond.

Let’s Talk About Money: The Why and How of Marine Nature-based Solutions Financing

17.00-18.00 | Panda Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: WWF-Germany, German Environment Ministry and its Ocean Envoy, WCS, Rare, TNC, CI and EDF

About: This event will discuss marine nature-based solutions and their future financing mechanisms. It may additionally cover the need of redirection of funds, rights-based approaches in marine conservation and locally-led implementation through coastal NbS, highlighting linkages between CBD and UNFCCC (e.g. 30Xx30).

Financing ocean climate action and OECMs through innovative approaches

13.15-14.45 | SE Room 1, Blue Zone

Organisers: Rare, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance Inc. (ORRAA)

About: We will showcase innovative financial mechanisms to support locally-led, nature-based solutions like OECMs to achieve global goals on climate change and biodiversity (e.g, 30×30), like an Impact Bond or Parametric Insurance, to empower coastal communities to sustainably manage coastal ecosystems.

Unpacking the biodiversity-climate nexus: Opportunities and challenges

13.15-14.45 | SE Room 2, Blue Zone

Organisers: IUCN, KfW, University of Cambridge, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

About: It is widely recognised that the climate change and biodiversity loss crises are deeply interlinked and need to be addressed holistically. This event will critically examine the conditions under which such integration can be achieved, with a view to maximise co-benefits and minimise trade-offs.

Blue Carbon Foundations Training under the Australia-Indonesia Partnership

13.30-14.30 | Australia Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Australia, Indonesia, Blue Praxis

About: Launch of new international online blue carbon foundations e-learning course, which will be available via the IPBC website. The aim is to provide policymakers and practitioners with core interdisciplinary background knowledge and skills to implement blue carbon policies programs and projects.

More info: https://bluecarbonpartnership.org/event/unfccc-cop28-side-event-blue-carbon-foundations-training-under-the-australia-indonesia-partnership/

Mobilizing and Implementing Ocean-Based Climate Mitigation Action at COP28 and beyond

16.45-18.15 | SE Room 1, Blue Zone

Organisers: Ocean Conservancy, European Federation of Transport and Environment (T&E)

About: This high-level Davos-style discussion, hosted by the Friends of Ocean and Climate group, will focus on mobilizing concrete ocean-based climate action and encouraging Parties to include and implement ocean-based climate solutions in their NDCs, NAPs, and other national climate plans.

Speakers: Janise Searles-Jones, CEO, Ocean Conservancy Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, UAE John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, USA Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister, Fiji Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister, Denmark Alberto Van Klaveren, Foreign Minister, Chile.

The impact of climate change on cetaceans – the cryosphere’s ecosystem engineers

10:00-11:00 | Cryosphere Pavilion

Organisers: WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation

About: At this event the WDC will launch their new report on climate change impacts on cetaceans, which also presents them as a potential nature-based solution to climate change. They will discuss what we know, what we don’t know and some great projects that are helping to assist restoration of populations and their associated services.

Bringing elephants into the room – Why UNFCCC needs to put animals on the table.

11:30-13:00 | Side Event Room 3, Blue Zone

Organisers: WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation

About: An event focussing on trophic rewilding and the specific roles of wild animals in the carbon cycle.

Coastal Seas and People: Co-design of Transformative Marine Solutions

14.00-15.00 | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organiser: Scripps Institution of Oceanography

About: This session will highlight work from mangrove and fisheries restoration, black women-led artisanal fisheries and other projects on how to co-design transformative solutions and address issues associated with climate justice, ways of knowing, and the legacy of colonialism.

Mangroves session

TBC | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone

Organisers: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, WHOI

About: This session aims to highlight the importance of mangroves and the connection between mangroves and coastal communities in conservation, restoration, and climate resilience. The session will present so far work from mangrove restoration projects and artisanal fisheries, and open to present other work.

More info: https://oceanpavilion-cop.org/