Caledonian Climate’s Post

Wetlands International is encouraged by the overall strong focus on #water and #wetlands at the #COP16Colombia, illustrating an increased recognition among governments, NGOs, business and finance of the critical importance of wetland ecosystems for the Global Biodiversity Framework’s successful implementation. However, overall, #COP16Colombia did not send a message to the world that all governments are acting with the urgency and determination needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. There is still a pressing need for more attention and action from countries on tackling the underlying drivers of wetland loss and degradation, including the need to eliminate subsidies that are harmful to nature and increase dedicated funding for wetland conservation and restoration. https://lnkd.in/eUVx_E2U

Did you know that protecting ocean areas could not only conserve biodiversity but also help address coral bleaching? Current research indicates that marine protected areas (MPAs) could play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats while simultaneously enhancing fish populations. These findings reveal the interconnected nature of our ocean ecosystems and climate health—it’s a reminder that conservation can impact multiple aspects of our livelihoods. With just 7.5% of the ocean currently protected, there’s room for growth. What strategies do you think would be most effective in increasing the number of MPAs? https://lnkd.in/gff6mM-R

🌊 Did you know the ocean, covering 70% of Earth, provides crucial benefits like habitat for marine species, food resources, and acts as a natural carbon sink? A recent study unveils a groundbreaking framework for prioritizing highly protected marine areas to safeguard biodiversity, boost fisheries yields, and secure carbon stocks. 🐟🌿 🌍 This study is a game-changer, revealing the potential to triple benefits by protecting specific ocean areas. Imagine this effort as a symphony where each note plays a crucial role in harmonizing biodiversity protection, fisheries enhancement, and carbon stock security in our oceans. 🎶🌊 🔍 The study highlights the impact of bottom trawling on carbon emissions, identifying the need to protect just about 4% of the ocean to eliminate 90% of the current carbon disturbance risk. It's like pinpointing a small area on a vast canvas that can transform the entire masterpiece. 🎨🌊 💡 This research offers a new approach to global conservation, emphasizing coordinated efforts that could be twice as efficient as national-level planning. It's like realizing that teamwork not only makes the dream work but can also save marine life, enhance food security, and mitigate climate change simultaneously. 🤝🌊 🌟 As the world moves towards the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, this study provides a solid foundation for science-based expansion of ocean protection strategies. It's a reminder that our choices today can shape a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants. 🌏🌊 https://lnkd.in/d6TZPha7 #marineconservation

Why the World’s Oceans Are Still in Peril – And What Needs to Change 🌊 Despite the breathtaking beauty and life-sustaining importance of our oceans, the harsh reality is this: we’re far from protecting them effectively. Today, only 2.8% of the world’s oceans are under effective protection, falling alarmingly short of the ambitious 30% by 2030 target (30 X30) set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Here’s a deeper look at where we stand, the challenges we face, and why urgent action is non-negotiable: 🌐 The Global Picture While 8% of the ocean is designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), many are inadequately managed, leaving ecosystems vulnerable. Since the adoption of the biodiversity framework, the increase in MPAs has been a mere 0.5%, which, at this rate, means we’ll protect only 9.7% of marine areas by 2030. Only 14 countries have managed to designate 30% or more of their waters as protected areas, with standouts like Palau (78%) and the UK (39%) leading the way. 🌍 Challenges in Protecting Marine Biodiversity Inconsistent Definitions and Management: MPAs vary widely in how they’re defined and enforced across nations. This inconsistency hampers their effectiveness. Insufficient Resources: Many countries that pledge to protect their waters lack the resources or political will to implement meaningful measures. Slow Policy Implementation: Ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty, which could help safeguard biodiversity in international waters, is still pending in many regions. 🌱 The Cost of Inaction Habitat destruction is wreaking havoc on marine and coastal ecosystems. The World Wildlife Fund reports a staggering 73% decline in species populations since 1970, driven largely by unsustainable agricultural and industrial practices. 🛠️ What Needs to Happen Scale up Marine Protection: Countries must align their efforts to meet the 30% by 2030 goal with clear definitions, robust management, and measurable outcomes. Ratify the UN High Seas Treaty: This treaty is essential for creating a cohesive global framework for protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. The ocean is a source of life, livelihoods, and climate regulation. Its health is intrinsically tied to our own. Achieving the 30x30 target will require unprecedented levels of commitment, collaboration, and innovation. The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) was held in Cali, Colombia from 21 October - 1 November 2024. Under the theme Peace With Nature, this will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada. Parties to the Convention are expected to show the alignment of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework. 🌊✨ #Sustainability #MarineConservation #30x30 #OceanProtection #arewedoingenoughtosaveourplanet

Welcome to this week’s Ocean Data Friday 🌊 Green Energy: The US proposed 18 GW of new offshore wind sales and streamlined regulations for faster permits. #OffshoreWind #Renewables 🌊 Green Shipping: The world’s largest fully electric container ship has begun service between Chinese cities. #COSCOShipping #GreenShipping 🌊 Transparency: A global initiative is underway to enhance transparency in tuna fisheries, promoting sustainable practices. The Nature Conservancy 🌊 Conservation: A global meta-analysis of 186 studies that measured biodiversity over time confirms that nature conservation efforts effectively halt and reverse biodiversity loss. #ScienceJournal #Biodiversity 🌊 EU Endorses High Seas Treaty: The EU has ratified the High Seas Treaty, setting a precedent for ocean conservation. #EU #HighSeas #oceanhealth #oceandata #oceandatafriday Have a great weekend!

The ASEAN region is home to some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. However, these ecosystems are threatened by unsustainable human activities such as resource extraction, infrastructure development, pollution, and more. https://loom.ly/vQI5LC4 The ASEAN ENMAPS project led by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity has been designed to develop and improve the management of networks of marine protected areas and marine corridors within selected large marine ecosystems. The OCEAN Grants Programme is interested in supporting similar innovative marine conservation efforts that can safeguard biodiversity and support local livelihoods. Learn more about OCEAN on our website. oceangrants.org.uk

DEEP-SEA ECOSYSTEMS FACING ONGOING DESTRUCTION At COP16 the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is urging Parties to fully and finally implement the protections needed to safeguard seamounts and the biodiversity they support from destructive practices.  https://lnkd.in/evMTNYhq

DEEP-SEA ECOSYSTEMS FACING ONGOING DESTRUCTION At COP16 the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is urging Parties to fully and finally implement the protections needed to safeguard seamounts and the biodiversity they support from destructive practices.  https://lnkd.in/evMTNYhq

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and UNDP mark World Oceans Day 2024, with a new marine conservation project in collaboration with the governments of by join forces with governments of #Indonesia, the #Philippines, and #Thailand.   The initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility,"Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the Asean Region" aims to protect at least 30 percent of coastal and marine areas by 2030. Read the full article by Eco-Business here: https://lnkd.in/eEvGbRrY #WorldOceansDay24 #climateaction #bluefood #marineprotection

🌊 This compelling read on the powerful benefits of fully protected ocean areas caught my attention -- It's evident that safeguarding marine ecosystems is crucial for our planet's health and biodiversity. 🐠🦑 🔍 Key takeaways: - Fully protected areas saw significant increases in fish species and biomass compared to open areas. - Partial protections in MPAs showed no ecological benefits, highlighting the importance of stronger restrictions. - Long-term studies in Kenya demonstrate how high protections can boost fish populations sustainably. What are your thoughts on the importance of marine conservation efforts? Share your views and let's discuss this vital topic further! 🌏💬 https://lnkd.in/gEPCmw6C