COP16 FOR CORAL

Positivity in the face of Global Coral Bleaching
2024-10-24 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Bogota)
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
* This event is closed and by invitation only *
