science-based approaches to coral and biodiversity conservation, resilience and recovery; synergies between the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF); Forest restoration was the focus of events held during the period. The 2024 United Nations Conference on Biodiversity will be held on October 23rd.
During the event on coral and biodiversity resilience, presenters highlighted the role of multidisciplinary partnerships in leveraging science and technology to reduce biodiversity loss and foster resilient ecosystems. They discussed the role the private sector can play, including by setting science-based targets. . Speakers will share advances in coral reef research, including investments in highly knowledgeable technologies for thermally resilient coral reefs, highlight coral restoration efforts off the coast of Florida, USA, and highlight local conditions for coral resilience. and emphasized the importance of local environmental conditions.
The event was sponsored by the Delta Environmental Education Foundation (DEEF), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and the Mote Marine Laboratory.
Another event discussed the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (FERI). This is a joint project supported by the Korean Forest Service and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat to help countries achieve biodiversity targets related to ecosystem restoration, habitat protection, and reforestation. Masu. . Speakers highlighted successes and challenges related to reforestation, including current and future collaborative initiatives.
A report titled “FERI 10 Years Later: 10 Years of Forest Ecosystem Restoration'' was released. One speaker called attention to joint initiatives between the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the CBD. Delegates from Colombia, Brazil and Nepal, among others, noted their experience with forest restoration, including through the use of the WePlan Forests tool to support planning and evaluation of forest restoration options. Another panelist spoke about the benefits and priorities of regional cooperation.
FERI, the Korean Forest Service, and the CBD Secretariat hosted the event.
During the event on collaboration and complementarity between the BBNJ Agreement and GBF, speakers highlighted opportunities for cooperation and coordination. Regional cooperation towards the implementation of both the BBNJ Agreement and the GBF was also highlighted.
Astrid Schomaker, Director General of the CBD, outlined initiatives under the Treaty, including the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and related initiatives regarding digital sequence information (DSI) of genetic resources. Amy Frankel, Executive Director of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), argued that synergies with other frameworks, such as CMS, should be considered. One speaker mentioned common information needs in the fisheries sector as a possibility for cooperation between the two frameworks.
Youth representatives said that while youth are recognized in the CBD, they are not explicitly recognized in the BBNJ Agreement, and called for the meaningful participation of youth in bridging these two frameworks on the ground. .
The event was hosted by the United Nations Legal Affairs Department, the Department of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and the CBD Secretariat.
