COP16 FOR CORAL

The Coastal Risk Index: Building Resilience with Nature
2024-10-28 09:00 - 10:15 (America/Bogota)
With climate change intensifying, coastal communities are grappling with increased vulnerabilities from flood risks and ecosystem degradation, which not only threatens biodiversity, but also amplifies the risk to infrastructure, economies, and lives. Coastal ecosystems are a first line of defence against climate risks such as flooding and storm surges. Without these natural protections, more than 14 million people and over $363 billion of assets would be at risk of coastal flooding.
ORRAA’s Coastal Risk Index (CRI) is a ground-breaking modelling tool that equips policymakers, financial institutions, investors, insurers and infrastructure project managers with unparalleled insights into ocean risks and the critical role of Nature-based Solutions in building cost-effective coastal resilience. During Ocean Day at COP16, ORRAA will use the event to go live with the new interactive data platform and outline how it can be used to quantify the value of coastal ecosystems and inform risk management and resilience-building strategies. ORRAA will highlight how the CRI has been implemented in a case study for the Dominican Republic (DR) to map the impacts of flooding on vulnerable people and how Nature-based Solutions can be leveraged to build resilience along the DRs coastline. The panel will convene stakeholders to discuss where coastal risk data can be leveraged to increase finance into Nature-based Solutions and inform critical pathways at COP16 and beyond.

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Advancing the Marine Conservation Breakthroughs: Connecting Global Action to Scale Nature-Based Solutions
2024-10-27 15:00 - 16:30
Resulting from the joint efforts of the Marrakech Partnership on Ocean & Coastal Zones and the High Level Climate Champions, this high-level leadership session will unite the Coral Reef Breakthrough, Mangrove Breakthrough, Seagrass Breakthrough, and Ocean Breakthroughs, to showcase how coastal and marine ecosystems can drive progress on both global biodiversity and climate goals.
These Breakthroughs harness the power of Nature-Based Solutions to address biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, making them key to accelerating the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.
To power the 2030 Marine Conservation Breakthrough goal of investing at least 72 USD billion to secure the integrity of ocean ecosystems by protecting, restoring, and conserving at least 30% of the ocean for the benefit of people, climate, and nature – this session will emphasize cross-sectoral partnerships, bringing stakeholders from finance, policy, and science.
The event will feature a “Implementation is Now” segment, followed by two panel discussions that will bring together governments, finance, private sector, and expert practitioners to showcase concrete opportunities and initiative.. The event will also invite the developing Marine Conservation Breakthroughs delivery partners –- the Seagrass Breakthrough, and the Kelp Breakthrough, to share updates and progress since COP28.
Lead Organisation: High Level Climate Champions
Co-organisation(s): ICRI, GFCR, GMA, UN-CMS, CCT
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Launching the first impact loan facility for marine conservation
2024-10-27 13:00 - 14:00
Blue Alliance and BNP Paribas, together with GFCR, ORRAA, and other partners, will unveil a groundbreaking investment facility aimed at advancing sustainable finance for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Global South. The facility seeks to transform protected areas and livelihoods through investment in Blue Economy social enterprises. This event will highlight the innovative Impact Loan Facility for MPAs, BNP Paribas’ initial funding commitment, as well as the first cohort of investments in the Blue Economy and MPAs. It will also provide a unique opportunity for networking and offer a first look at the potential for scaling up the facility.
Lead Organisation: Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas

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Seascapes of the Future: NbS, the Blue Economy and the Great Blue Wall
2024-10-27 11:00 - 12:30
The Great Blue Wall (GBW) is a Western Indian Ocean (WIO)-born, African-driven roadmap to achieve a nature-positive world by 2030, aiming at unlocking unprecedented nature-based recovery efforts through dramatically accelerating and upscaling ocean conservation action while enhancing socio-ecological resilience and the development of a regenerative blue economy. The GBW goals are to achieve a net gain of critical blue ecosystems in 2030 by conserving and restoring more than 2 million ha of critical ecosystems and consequently sequestering more than 100 million tons of carbon. It aspires to achieve this by catalysing political leadership and financial support to best-practice coastal and marine protection, conservation and sustainable resource management.

This session will focus on the implementation of best-practice coastal and marine conservation in the WIO, and the integration of Nature-based Solutions and the Regenerative Blue Economy into Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). The session is structured around two main panels, each addressing critical aspects of the Great Blue Wall initiative.
The first panel will delve into the technical aspects of improving the effectiveness, equitable, and gender-responsive conservation of WIO PA network, including OECMs. This discussion will focus on the tools, techniques, and community engagement strategies that are being used to manage and protect these areas. It will highlight the importance of scientific research, data collection, and monitoring in ensuring the success of conservation efforts. The panel will also address the role of advocacy and biodiversity conservation in supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
The second panel will explore the dynamic interrelation between Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and the blue economy, highlighting how both contribute to regenerative seascapes that restore ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, and foster sustainable economic growth. Within the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, NbS initiatives are increasingly central to the sustainable use of marine resources and climate change adaptation efforts, while also providing opportunities for inclusive economic development. Panellists will provide insights into how regenerative seascapes can enhance biodiversity and climate resilience while driving economic empowerment through the blue economy—particularly for women and youth—through access to nature-based value chains and entrepreneurship.
By focusing on practical implementation and sharing technical knowledge, this event aims to inspire and equip stakeholders with the tools and strategies needed to achieve sustainable ocean conservation and the development of a regenerative seascapes movement.

OBJECTIVES: To share practical strategies and collaborative efforts for accelerating ocean and coastal ecosystems conservation in the Western Indian Ocean, integrating Nature- based Solutions and the Regenerative Blue Economy and empowering local communities and indigenous people to become stewards, managers, and sustainable users of these seascapes.

Lead Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

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[Invite Only] Closed Door Ocean Finance Meeting
2024-10-27 09:00 - 10:30
* This event is closed and by invitation only *

Blended Finance Innovation for Reef Conservation in Latin America & the Caribbean
2024-10-26 15:30 - 16:30
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) will host a panel discussion to highlight its blended finance program, featuring three convening agents from Latin America and the Caribbean: Fondo Acción (Colombia), TNC Bahamas, and MAR Fund (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras). The event will begin with an introduction to GFCR’s innovative approach to reef conservation and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities, outlining the program’s key objectives and focus areas.
Each convening agent will present how they have established operations in their respective regions, highlighting the essential components for supporting blended finance in coral nations. These may include acceleration programs, technical assistance facilities, and financial instruments, among others
The panellists will also share insights into the challenges and lessons learned in implementing this pioneering initiative, including the scarcity or maturity of reef-positive enterprises, local and regional risks, and strategies used to overcome these obstacles.
Finally, the audience will be given a space to ask questions to the panellists.
Lead Organisation: Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) – MAR+Invest
Co-organisation(s): Fondo Acción, TNC Bahamas, Global Fund for Coral Reefs

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Protecting the ‘Amazon of the ocean’, the Verde Island Passage
2024-10-26 13:00 - 14:30
The Coral Triangle — often called the Amazon of the seas — is a marine biodiversity hotspot home to 76% of the world’s coral species, over 2,000 coral fish types, half a dozen marine turtle species. It is a nursery for tuna and a feeding ground for marine mammals. Over 120 million people rely on its resources for subsistence. Coastal communities depend on fishing for food and income, while coral reefs and mangroves support fish populations, attract tourism, and protect against floods.
In this event, Earth Insight, SkyTruth, CEED Philippines and Say no LNG will launch the Coral Triangle Oil and Gas Threat Assessment and will present a compelling picture and data on the imminent fossil fuel offshore and LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle, as well as discuss solutions to address such threats. New geospatial analysis will show that half of Coral Triangle’s unique and precious reef ecosystems are under oil and gas production or exploration blocks, with well over 300 such blocks in the Coral Triangle Implementation Area alone.
Following, we will dive into the Verde Island Passage (VIP), placed at the heart of the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia a marine corridor known, as the ‘Center of the Center of marine shorefish biodiversity in the world. It is home to over 300 coral reef species and grand rock formations, and is akin to an Amazon of the ocean.
Unfortunately, the VIP is confronting multiple threats – from rising sea temperatures to the massive expansion of industrial activities within its vicinity.
This event seeks to highlight the plight of the globally significant VIP and call attention to drivers of marine biodiversity loss in the marine corridor. It also seeks to draw attention to the urgency of supporting action toward increase protection for the VIP, and the Coral Triangle as a whole.
Lead Organisation: Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED)
Co-organisation(s): Earth Insight
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Mobilising private financial resources to protect corals
2024-10-26 11:00 - 12:00
This event will be a round table dedicated to the challenges of public – private funding for coral preservation and restoration. The aim of this round table will be to understand the environmental and economic risks associated with the loss of corals and the implementation of solutions by the private sector to close the gap. Levers of action will be shared to massively increase positive investment for corals.
This event will be a panel discussion composed of representatives of public authorities, bank, asset manager, insurance & foundation. The aim will be to create a discussion and share information on how to mobilise financial resources to protect coral reefs and how the private sector can take account ocean-related issues.

Lucie Pecqueur, Head of Biodiversity & Adaptation at L’Institut de la Finance Durable. The Institut de la Finance Durable (IFD) aims to coordinate, federate and accelerate action by the Paris financial centre to achieve the ecological transition and transform the economy towards a low-carbon and inclusive model, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Stéphane Godier, Business Development Leader at AXA Climate. AXA Climate is an AXA Group entity that provides insurance, finance, training and consulting services to address climate and environmental adaptation challenges.
Camille Maclet, Group Biodiversity Specialist at BNP Paribas. BNP Paribas is a French global private financial institutions present in 65 countries, which adopted an Ocean Position in 2019 and works to support the financing of ocean conservation in partnership with global initiatives.
Florent Merle, European & International Relations Deputy Director, L’Office Français de la Biodiversité. OFB is a public body dedicated to the protection and restoration of biodiversity in mainland France and the French overseas territories, under the supervision of the Ministries of Ecology and Agriculture.
Nick Silver, Director of Callund Consulting Limited, ORRAA. ORRAA is an initiative connecting the international finance and insurance sectors, governments, non-profits, and stakeholders from the Global South to pioneer finance products that incentivise investment into coastal and ocean Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Their mission, by 2030, is to activate at least USD$500 million of investment into this space, and in so doing, help build the resilience of 250 million climate vulnerable coastal people.

Lead Organisation: Institut de la Finance Durable (IFD)
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Climate risks and insurance solutions
2024-10-26 09:00 - 10:30
Partners will showcase parametric insurance as innovative risk financing approaches to enhance ecosystem resilience along the Caribbean’s coastlines. ORRAA will open with an introduction and description of parametric insurance for nature. WTW will explain their role in designing parametric insurance for nature. Partners will explain the different types of parametric insurance analyzed and implemented in their geographies to address different types of risks. MAR Fund will explain the MAR insurance program, which provides funding for reef response across key reef sites in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, and how scaling this integrated approach to other regions and perils can play an important role to protect and repair coastal and marine natural assets, in support of biodiversity and coastal communities. Partners will explain the benefits of insurance products as a funding source to address risk and to enable collaborative, anticipatory planning and preparation before an event occurs. Also, the type of risks that may not be suitable for parametric insurance will be mentioned. Frequently asked questions will be addressed. Partners intervening in the discussion are ORRAA, WTW, Forever Costa Rica Association, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fondo Acción, the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature and MAR Fund.
Lead Organisation: Mesoamerican Reef Fund
Co-organisation(s): Willis Towers Watson (WTW), Ocean Risk Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), Fondo Accioń, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Forever Costa Rica Association, Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature

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[Invite Only] Roundtable: Integrating Coral Reefs into NBSAPs
2024-10-25 13:30 - 14:30
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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Preserving the Future: The World Coral Conservatory Initiative
2024-10-25 11:00 - 12:00
The World Coral Conservatory (WCC) is a groundbreaking global initiative led by the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, the Scientific Centre of Monaco, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. As coral reefs face unprecedented threats from climate change and ocean acidification, the WCC seeks to safeguard coral biodiversity by establishing a worldwide network of aquariums committed to conservation, research, and restoration efforts.
This side event at COP16 will delve into how the WCC is tackling the urgent need for coral conservation by creating a living ‘reservoir’ of coral species, advancing scientific research on coral resilience, and promoting education and public awareness. A key highlight will be insights from a partner aquarium, showcasing the collaborative efforts and practical experiences in coral conservation.
Attendees will gain an understanding of the WCC’s innovative approach, which integrates science, conservation, and global partnerships to ensure the long-term survival of coral reefs. The event will emphasize the importance of empowering communities—both local and global—in the collective fight against coral degradation.
Join us to explore how this pioneering initiative is making a significant impact on the global movement for ocean conservation, and learn how you can contribute to preserving the future of coral reefs.
Lead Organisation: Monaco Oceanographic Institute
Co-organisation(s): Scientific Centre of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

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Boosting Coral Health: Caribbean Strategies for Climate Resilience
2024-10-25 09:00 - 10:30
Coral reefs play a vital role in Caribbean climate adaptation by mitigating storm surge impacts, reducing wave energy by an average of 97%, and enhancing community resilience against severe climate events. However, unprecedented sea temperatures in 2023-2024 have led to devastating coral bleaching, particularly affecting Acropora spp., with mortality rates nearing 100% in some areas. This situation underscores the urgent need for identifying and propagating thermally resilient coral genotypes for restoration efforts.
Thermal stress has also heightened coral susceptibility to diseases like White Plague and Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), demanding increased vigilance from researchers, managers, and restoration practitioners. Tracking disease progression and identifying resilient coral genotypes are crucial for maintaining reef diversity and informing germplasm movement strategies.
Building robust networks involving researchers, managers, industry, and local communities is essential for effective coral reef management. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, as part of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), can enhance the long-term sustainability of coral conservation and community livelihoods. The Caribbean Coral Health Forum (CCHF), led by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), serves as a key platform for exchanging knowledge on coral health, mass bleaching events, and collaborative efforts, including joint events at COP16 and COP29.
Lead Organisation: Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF)
Co-organisation: Perry Institute of Marine Science (PIMS)

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Positivity in the face of Global Coral Bleaching
2024-10-24 16:00 - 17:00
The Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event was officially confirmed by NOAA in April 2024 with bleaching events still occurring in some regions up to six months after the announcement. This event will provide examples of recent bleaching events and their impacts while also identifying actions and approaches to mitigate the effects of bleaching and improve the resilience of coral reef ecosystems. Perspectives will be heard from both young and established researchers, local community representatives and on linkages with the Global Biodiversity Framework. New research-based approaches will be highlighted as well as the need to maintain positivity in the face of global change to safeguard this most biodiverse marine ecosystem and the services it provides for people. Areas of discussion will include innovative research, indigenous knowledge, community-based management, capacity building and mentoring, well-being, action plans, resilience-based restoration, global agreements / processes (CBD GBF and IPBES), ecosystem tipping points and the need for transformative change.
Lead Organisation: International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)
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Protecting Places of Hope—Cuba's Coral Reefs
2024-10-24 13:30 - 14:30
Cuba’s waters are home to four of the world’s most climate-resilient reefs and provide ideal conditions to explore conservation strategies that can offer hope worldwide. This event will showcase current efforts to study and protect Cuba’s coral reefs and examine the importance of this work to global coral reef conservation.
With support from Environmental Defense Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society, Cuban scientists made groundbreaking advancements to protect and preserve globally important habitats, leveraging the power of partnerships to advance community-driven solutions to overfishing and harnessing data and science diplomacy for coral reef survival. Over the summer of 2023, Cuban scientists conducted a first-of-its-kind circumnavigation of over 1,800 nautical miles of coastline to study reef climate resilience.
The expedition, known as the “Bojeo a Cuba,” was carried out aboard the Oceans for Youth research vessel. More than 30 Cuban institutions, including Avalon-Marinas Marlin (MINTUR), the Marine Research Center of the University of Havana, Naturaleza Secreta, and the Environment Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment joined in this collaborative effort.
Our initial data analysis from the expedition demonstrates both the resilience and fragility of Cuba’s coral reefs. Data indicate a high biomass of medium fish in 60% of the areas sampled and a large presence of herbivorous fish across most sites, offering hope for how these ecosystems may withstand a changing climate. However, researchers also found coral bleaching, disease, and an invasive coral species. We plan to publish, share, and apply these results to support ecosystem management, including through updated plans for marine protected areas (MPAs).

Lead Organisation: Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Co-organisation: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

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Safeguarding Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs for GBF Target 3 and Beyond
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Coral reefs, essential for food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection, have suffered a ~50% loss since the 1950s due to climate change and human activities. Despite their importance, less than 12% of coral reefs are actively conserved. This side event, framed within the global science of climate-resilient reefs and innovative conservation finance solutions, will address the urgent need to meet Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) to protect 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030.
Through case studies from the Philippines, Mozambique, Fiji, and AFD – Agence Française Développement, the event will explore national implementation of GBF targets, with a focus on protecting climate-resilient reefs—reefs located in cooler waters or with higher recovery rates from coral bleaching. Discussions will address key mechanisms like biodiversity planning, monitoring, resource mobilization, and mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors (AFD will talk about regional initiatives).
The event will emphasize the importance of protecting coral reefs to safeguard ecosystems and the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Without urgent action, 50-70% of coral reefs could be lost by mid-century, threatening global biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection. This is a critical moment to catalyze action from the 100 coral reef nations.
Lead Organisation: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Co-organisation(s): Mozambican Oceanographic Institute, Ministry of Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Philippines(DENR-BMB, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) of Fiji, AFD – Agence Française de Développement, Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and Bloomberg Ocean Initiative.
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Bringing hope and gratitude in facing eco-anxiety
2024-10-24 09:00 - 10:30
In the face of the global biodiversity crisis, we are at a critical juncture where our response can shape the future of our planet. As professionals in the field, we recognize the emotional burden associated with confronting the realities of biodiversity loss. Scientists and conservationists often find themselves in the role of “first responders,” tasked with addressing urgent ecological crises. This responsibility can take a toll on mental health, leading to feelings of burnout, anxiety, and hopelessness.
Neuroscience shows that mindfulness leads to resilience, creativity and reasoning. By practicing nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness, we can shift from reacting to having the freedom to choose how to respond. Mindfulness offers way to process negative emotions associated with biodiversity loss, so we can engage in productive reasoning and problem solving
The primary goal of our workshop is to empower participants to shift their mindset from one of inevitable decline to one of possibility and proactive change. While the challenges posed by biodiversity loss are significant, the uncertainty surrounding these issues can serve as a catalyst for creativity and innovative solutions. This shift in perspective is not merely optimistic; it is essential for fostering resilience among those dedicated to addressing these pressing concerns.
Together, we can turn the tide on the biodiversity crisis by embracing uncertainty as a pathway to innovation and growth. By fostering mindfulness and supporting each other in our efforts, we can cultivate a future where biodiversity thrives. Join us at the workshop to be part of this vital conversation and become an agent of change.

Lead Organisation: Pennsylvania State University – Medina Lab
Co-Organisation: Center for Biodiversity Outcomes

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Supporting rescources:

Practicing mindfulness in addressing the biodiversity crisis
10 things we can do to do to protect biodiversity
How to handle climate and eco-anxiety

Latinoamérica Azul: Amplifying Youth Voices for Ocean Conservation in Latin America
2024-10-23 15:00 - 16:30
This session will present the “Latinoamérica Azul” declaration, the first youth-led document that outlines key demands and actionable recommendations for ocean conservation in Latin America. Created during the inaugural “Latinoamérica Azul” conference held in Costa Rica this past June, the declaration captures the voices and perspectives of over 100 young ocean leaders from across the region. Key topics within the declaration—such as climate change, marine protected areas, and sustainable fisheries—are crucial for addressing the primary threats to coral ecosystems and halting their decline. By engaging a diverse group of young advocates and stakeholders, this session aims to refine the declaration and develop a unified roadmap for presenting these youth-driven recommendations to regional policymakers. The enhanced declaration will serve as a strategic agenda for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025 in Nice, France, ensuring that youth perspectives shape international
ocean conservation efforts.
This event will not only empower young voices but also create a network of advocates committed to driving ocean conservation efforts. We seek to amplify youth involvement in ocean governance, ensuring the protection of our oceans for future generations. By aligning our efforts with UNOC 2025, we aim to influence global ocean policy with a unified, youth-driven agenda.
Lead Organisation: Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)
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Youth Can Save Corals: Five Pathways for Action
2024-10-23 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for an inspiring, youth-led event dedicated to saving our precious coral reefs! In this engaging session, young changemakers will explore five ways young people can be part of the solution to our coral crisis. From raising funds to support groundbreaking scientific research to influencing global policy, kids and youth around the world are already showing that they have the initiative and know-how to make a difference.
Through quick-fire presentations, we will discuss how youth can take action right now through: grassroots fundraising, bold advocacy, rights-based legal frameworks, global policy, and, of course, hands-on action. This event is for all, whether you are a young person looking for ways to make a difference or a seasoned expert looking for real ways to engage the next generation in your work.
Lead Organisation: Reserva: The Youth Land Trust
Co-Organisation(s): Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)

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[In Spanish] Honduras: Improving reef health via crab cultivation
2024-10-23 11:00 - 12:00
This listening session / mini panel is a collaboration will focus on partnerships for the health of reefs and people. Collaboration and pilot project presentation, focusing on the following:

Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP), an alliance with more than 75 regional partners that promotes projects that benefit reef health and resilience across the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (MAR), and the Honduras Coral Reef Fund (HCRF), which is one of the first MPA co-managing organizations to join this initiative and has been instrumental for data collection in the Cayos Cochinos Marine Natural Monument (CCMNM).
HRHP and HCRF’s piloting of the cultivation of king crab as a way of controlling macroalgae, which smothers corals and hinders new recruits. Native herbivorous species populations urgently need to increase across the MAR in order to tackle macroalgae and ensure the success of restoration programs. The king crab Mithrax spinosissimus is a very successful native herbivore that has received limited focus in reef ecological health studies and projects to date, compared to reef species such as parrotfish. HRHP and HCRF are looking to change this with their innovative pilot project.
Honduras Seascape Partnership – HCRF’s vital coral reef conservation and research is reinforced by the Atlántida Seascape Initiative of the Seascape Partnership, conformed of five Honduran NGOs and international NGO Fauna & Flora. Since 2016, this partnership has worked on social and ecological connectivity across three MPAs and the unprotected waters between them.

Lead Organisation: Honduras Coral Reef Fund (HCRF)
Co-organisation(s): Fauna & Flora, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP)
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Ocean Resilience in Focus: Developing Science-based Approaches for Coral & Biodiversity
2024-10-23 09:00 - 10:30
The event will invite coral conservation institutes and coral researchers in support of the implementation of Kunming Montréal Biodiversity Framework and the Coral Reef Breakthrough Goals and Action Point. The session will showcase the developments and illustrate leading practices around several elements of how jurisdictions are safeguarding coral reef ecosystem including but not limited to:

data for better decision-making;
technology & innovation;
citizen science;
marine education & ocean literacy; and
policies for coral reef conservation & restoration

This event aims to:

facilitate exchanging experiences and lessons-learned with various stakeholders contributed to biodiversity conservation. highlight the need for strengthening capacity-building, access to and transfer of technology to bridge up the conservation gap so to meet up the needs for effective implementation; and
create the opportunity of partnership, close collaboration and knowledge exchange in the international and national level.

Lead Organisation: Delta Environmental & Educational Foundation
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Screening of the "Saving Atlantis" documentary
2024-10-22 15:00 - 17:00
The event will begin with a panel discussion featuring the documentary’s producers, coral reef experts, activists, and community leaders who will discuss the challenges and opportunities for conserving coral reef ecosystems. After the panel discussion, there will be the screening of the documentary “Saving Atlantis,” which explores the critical state of coral reefs and global efforts for their conservation.
To conclude, a short concert of champeta music with an environmental focus will be held. Champeta is a traditional Colombian music style with social and cultural significance. Performed by local artists, the music will evoke the deep connection between coastal culture and the marine environment, inspiring attendees to reflect on the importance of protecting coral reefs, which are fundamental ecosystems for the well-being of coastal communities.
Lead Organisation: Dirección de Asuntos Marinos, Costeros y Recursos Acuáticos, Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible de Colombia

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[SP] Restoration actions in coral reef ecosystems: lessons and future challenges to promote socio-ecological resilience
2024-10-22 13:00 - 14:00
The panel discussion will focus on sharing experiences, lessons, and insights from marine-coastal ecosystem restoration projects in Colombia, with a primary emphasis on coral reefs. This event aims to bring together key stakeholders involved in the research, care, and restoration of these ecosystems, including NGOs, research institutes, and representatives from local communities, fostering the exchange of scientific, technical, cultural, and ancestral knowledge.
The participation of these diverse actors will facilitate a rich discussion on the challenges and opportunities for promoting socio-ecological resilience in marine-coastal contexts, in light of current conditions and climate change projections. Furthermore, the event will encourage collaboration and the exchange of various forms of knowledge to develop effective and sustainable strategies.

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Facing the new challenges for coral reef conservation: a look at mass bleaching events and coral diseases
2024-10-22 11:00 - 13:00
Enfrentando los nuevos retos para la conservación de los arrecifes coralinos: una mirada a los eventos de blanqueamiento masivos y las enfermedades coralinas
This event features a panel discussion on the stressors accelerating Caribbean coral reef decline, including bleaching and diseases, and how these are affecting reef functionality, impacting local livelihoods and economies. Experts will provide insights on actions taken in the USA, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Colombia to monitor and mitigate these threats. Attendees will engage in an interactive dialogue, fostering collaboration between researchers, academia, and marine resource managers. The focus will be on proposing comprehensive strategies for conservation and restoration to safeguard biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services vital to local communities.
Lead Organisation: Perry Institute for Marine Science

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[SP] Three decades of coral reef research and monitoring for ecosystem adaptive management
2024-10-22 10:00 - 11:00
The event will focus on sharing over three decades of research and monitoring experiences related to coral reefs in Colombia. Key topics will include the current state of local coral reefs, the threats they face, monitoring protocols used, and future perspectives for effective ecosystem management. The panel offers a valuable opportunity to highlight Colombia’s commitment to coral reef knowledge and conservation, reflected in its participation in global initiatives like the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). Experts from research institutes and academia and representatives from local communities will contribute a comprehensive and collaborative perspective to promote adaptive management of coral reefs at national, regional, and global levels.
Lead Organisation: Dirección de Asuntos Marinos, Costeros y Recursos Acuáticos, Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible de Colombia

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[SP] Towards effective ocean conservation in the 30 x 30 framework
2024-10-22 09:00 - 10:00
As part of Goal 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 in Kunming-Montreal, which primarily aims to “ensure and enable that by 2030, at least 30 percent of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas are conserved,” this event will be framed within a discussion panel featuring national and international organizations, including the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, INVEMAR, National Natural Parks of Colombia, and UNESCO. The panel will highlight the role of oceanic science and its relation to the various actions needed to achieve the 2030 goals, as well as the actions proposed under several initiatives. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that it’s not just about Marine Protected Areas; other protection categories must be considered to ensure proper management through ecologically representative, well-connected, and equitably governed systems.
Lead Organisation: Dirección de Asuntos Marinos, Costeros y Recursos Acuáticos, Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible de Colombia

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Reviving Reefs: Coral Reef Conservation in Latin America
2024-10-21 15:00 - 16:30
The event will be a hands-on workshop aimed at addressing the shortcomings of coral reef conservation in Latin America. It will focus on both practical skills and innovative solutions to the challenges faced in preserving these critical ecosystems. The insights gathered will be used in the development of a new strategy for coral reef conservation in the region, which will include advocacy and strategic litigation as main tools.
Lead Organisation: Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense – AIDA
Co-organisation(s): Mesoamerican Reef Fund

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Empowering Youth for Global Biodiversity: Ocean Leaders Driving Change
2024-10-21 13:00 - 14:30
This side event will spotlight youth-led projects from around the world that are actively contributing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and promoting marine conservation. We will explore how young ocean leaders are overcoming challenges—such as limited funding and trust from stakeholders—to protect marine ecosystems and drive impactful change.
The event aims to celebrate the successes of these initiatives, highlighting opportunities for young people to engage in marine biodiversity efforts and influence policy processes. We will delve into how youth can access essential funding, the transformative role of trust-based philanthropy, and the innovative actions happening in the field.
By showcasing these stories, we hope to inspire more young leaders to join the movement for a sustainable and biodiverse future.
Lead Organisation: Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)
Co-organisation(s): Sustainable Ocean Alliance Costa Rica, Sustainable Ocean Alliance México, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Perú

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[Invite Only] Global Ocean Alliance members meeting
2024-10-21 07:30 - 10:00
