[Invite Only] Roundtable: Integrating Coral Reefs into NBSAPs

At the beginning of 2024, the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) released a guidance document to coral reef countries on how to integrate coral reefs and associated ecosystems into their revised NBSAPs to support the alignment of plans and actions, at the national level, with respect to the implementation of the GBF. The summary of the guidance presents key steps for countries to integrate coral reefs and associated ecosystems in NBSAPs, example actions that could be undertaken by countries in relation to the goals and targets of the GBF, and a range of resources that are further developed in Annex 8 of the Guidance Document.

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the Fourth Global Bleaching Event (4GBE) and the increasing pressures on coral reefs, it is crucial to support coral nations to effectively conserve coral reefs. COP16 presents an invaluable opportunity to assess the current status of coral reef integration into NBSAPs and evaluate the effectiveness of ICRI’s guidance for coral reef countries.

This roundtable will ignite engaging discussion around the ICRI guidance focusing on three key areas:

• Implementation: Explore the extent to which coral reef nations have utilised the ICRI guidance.
• Barriers: Identify challenges faced by countries where the guidance remains unutilised or where coral reefs are not integrated into NBSAPs. Discuss the necessary actions to support these nations in overcoming these challenges.
• Integration and Management: Assess the level of integration of coral reefs within NBSAPs and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation, protection, and management measures for coral reefs.

Lead Organisation: International Coral Reef Initiative

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