The ocean is the world's largest ecosystem, providing significant economic, environmental, and social value. However, it faces numerous threats, including climate change, acidification, marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding global health, well-being, and economic stability. 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.

The event will be moderated by Cynthia Barzuna, Director, Ocean Action 2030 at WRI.