Organization Economic Cooperation and Development

The following side events were covered by ENBOTS on Tuesday, 6 June 2017: Oceans in the 2030 Agenda: The Role of Regional Governance - Advancing Regional Partnerships for SDG 14 Implementation Innovative and Sustainable Ocean Based Economy Swedish Initiatives for Agenda 2030 Ocean’s 8: One Planet, One Ocean – Celebrating Global Cooperation On Ocean Science Environmentally Sound Waste Management as Action against Marine Litter IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage of selected side events at the Ocean Conference. Photos by IISD/ENBOTS | Francis DejonFor photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Oceans in the 2030 Agenda: The Role of Regional Governance - Advancing Regional Partnerships for SDG 14 Implementation Presented by the Federal Government of Germany, Government Offices of Sweden and UN Environment (UNEP) Moderator Alexander Müller, Managing Director, TMG - ThinkTank for Sustainability, opened the session, underscoring that the implementation of SDG 14 cannot be done in isolation. In opening remarks, Gunther Adler, State Secretary for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, underscored the need to go further than reiterating existing commitments, including by undertaking ambitious, concrete actions. He highlighted the need for effective implementation structures for SDG 14 and greater focus on international ocean governance. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden, underlined the importance of cooperation between regional seas agreements and working together to implement measures, since those undertaken in one region are likely to affect other regions. She pointed to three key aspects for success: political commitment at the state level; science-based assessments and targets; and cooperation across sectors. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment (UNEP), gave examples from regional sea conventions in UNEP, stating the need to focus not just on solving problems but harnessing opportunities, including the oceans’ potential to provide food and a sustainable way of transporting goods. Moving into the session on advancing regional partnerships for SDG 14 implementation, João Aguiar Machado, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission (EC), stressed the instrumental nature of regional cooperation, since “no-one alone can solve the problems affecting our oceans.” He outlined actions promoted by the EC to reinforce regional level cooperation, including the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, which now takes a regionalized approach to management. Didier Dogley, Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Seychelles, and Chair of the Nairobi Convention, spoke on the need to take care of the “blue capital” provided by resources in the sea that many rely on for their livelihood. He stressed the importance of bringing together the plethora of organizations that exist to avoid segmentation of policies that are implemented by different groups. Klaus Töpfer, Founding Director, TMG, said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development had put oceans at the center of sustainability. He called for a vision of “the kind of regional cooperation we want to see,” and to then develop a bottom-up approach for how to achieve that goal. Meg Taylor, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum, underscored that an integrated approach for climate and ocean issues was needed, and hoped it would be recognized at the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), meeting under the Fijian Presidency in November 2017. Árni Mathiesen, FAO, said “we are only currently touching the surface of harnessing the value of what we get from the sea, and that we need to move up the value scale by devising new uses for things we currently throw away.” He also underscored the need to develop better financing systems, underscoring the lack of resources for many regions. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment (UNEP), said that “together we can solve all issues.” Meg Taylor, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum, said it was important that issues of partnership are looked at not only to implement SDG 14, but also SDG 17 to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. Gunther Adler, State Secretary for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, said the international community was on the verge of squandering an opportunity since the Call for Action does not contain the ambitious, concrete commitments needed. Moderator Alexander Müller, Managing Director, TMG, stressed linkages to other SDGs and the need for international mechanisms due to the many transboundary issues. Panel (L-R): Meg Taylor, Executive Secretary, Pacific Island Forum; Árni Mathiesen, FAO; Alexander Müller, Managing Director, TMG; Klaus Töpfer, Founding Director, TMG; João Aguiar Machado, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, EC; and Didier Dogley, Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Seychelles, and Chair of the Nairobi Convention. Jamil Ahmad, Deputy Director, UN Environment (UNEP); Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UNEP; Klaus Töpfer, Founding Director, TMG Gunther Adler, State Secretary for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, delivered opening remarks at the event Contacts: PERSON_NAME (Moderator Coordinator) | EMAIL_ADDRESS More Information: www.prog-ocean.org Innovative and Sustainable Ocean Based Economy Presented by the Government Offices of Sweden and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) This event, moderated by Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency, highlighted innovative sustainable technologies, and sustainable business and platform models for an ocean-based economy. Sven-Erik Bucht, Minister for Rural Affairs, Sweden, discussed finding the necessary balance between economic growth and environmental protection in a sustainable ocean-based economy. He stressed the maritime role of Sweden and its innovation hubs around sustainability and circularity. Douglas Frantz, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD, spoke about the urgent obligation to save the Ocean. He stressed the potential of the Ocean-based industry, from US$1.5-3 trillion by 2030 and over 40 million jobs, and the necessity to take actions considering the whole Ocean ecosystem. Felismina Antia, National Director, Maritime and Fisheries Policy, Mozambique, spoke about the Northern Mozambique Channel (NMC) Partnership Initiative. She stressed the need to develop an integrated management of the NMC, based on a long-term vision and on regional collaboration. She highlighted four areas of focus: strengthening capacity for maritime spatial planning; sharing best practices in community-based marine resources management; promoting sustainable standards for the oil and gas industry; and empowering civil society. Representing the shipping industry, Carl Carlsson, Zero Vision Tool (ZVT) Platform, spoke about the goals and achievements of the platform, which gathers 24 industry groups from Sweden and Finland towards a greener shipping sector. He underscored that the condition for this transition depends on the ability to create financial mechanisms to make it profitable. Joel Oresten, Smögenlax Aquaculture, and Sofie Allert, Swedish Algae Factory, as part of Sotenäs Symbioscentrum, presented two projects on “industrial symbiosis,” based on the principles of a circular economy. Oresten presented an aquaculture project based on the recycling of fisheries’ waste. Allert presented her work to develop a high-value product derived from algae biomass. In the ensuing discussion, panelists and participants considered the need to scale-up innovative projects and the legal constraints they often face. Mattias Landgren, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Infrastructure, closed the session, underlining the importance of respecting international commitments and that the blue economy is good for business. Carl Carlsson, ZVT, emphasized the need to create financing mechanisms for the shipping sector to make it sustainable and profitable. Joel Oresten, Smögenlax Aquaculture, presented his “fish flow model,” which supports salmon production using fisheries waste. Felismina Antia, National Director for Maritime and Fisheries Policy, Mozambique, stressed the need for integrated ocean management of the Northern Mozambique Channel. Panel (L-R): Sofie Allert, Swedish Algae Factory; Joel Oresten, Smögenlax Aquaculture; Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency; Carl Carlsson, ZVT; Felismina Antia, National Director, Maritime and Fisheries Policy, Mozambique; Douglas Frantz, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD; and Mattias Landgren, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Infrastructure. Contacts: Malin Jörnehag (Coordinator) | malin.jornehag@regeringskansliet.se More Information: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/15419Concept_note_Innovative_and_Sustainable_Ocean_Based_Economy.pdf Swedish Initiatives for Agenda 2030 Presented by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, Swedish Steel Producers’ Association, and Zero Vision Tool (ZVT), in cooperation with World Ocean Council (WOC), UN Global Compact, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) This event, moderated by Christine Valentin, WOC, featured panelists speaking on projects falling under four initiatives: ZVT, an industry-driven public-private partnership (PPP) collaboration method and project platform for a safer, more environmentally and energy-efficient maritime transport; a partnership for a carbon-free steel industry; a partnership for resource-efficient water purification utilizing mineral-based by-products from steel and metal industries; and an innovative technology to achieve clean drinking water. In a discussion on how ZVT projects contribute to SDG 14, Per Bondemark, SSAB, explained work to reduce CO2 emissions from maritime transport. Erik Fridell, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, spoke on assessing the benefits of ZVT projects and calculating the reduced costs they bring to society. Dick Höglund, Terntank Shipping, spoke on piloting a special financial instrument to reduce the risks of investing in green infrastructure. Edvard Molitor, Port of Gothenburg, spoke of installing new generation scrubber technology. Tryggve Möller, Tärntank, said his company is committed to reducing ship emissions. Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency, said her agency's participation aims to identify and eliminate potential regulatory barriers to developing a more sustainable future. On the steel initiative, Bondemark said the “disruptive technology” sought to significantly cut CO2 emissions and in the process help reduce ocean acidification. On the water projects, Niklas Lång, Höganäs AB, explained that the project seeks to reduce steel industry waste, purify water of certain substances and recycle them back into the value chain, while Tandukar Madan, Höganäs AB, explained the technology will reduce groundwater contamination and prevent contaminants from reaching the Ocean. Valentin asked panelists to identify the most important outcomes of their projects. On ZVT, Bondemark pointed to a 40-50% cut in CO2 emissions, Höglund said funding innovation, and Molitor replied securing safer and sounder technology for cleaner shipping. Möller said his project has brought together many stakeholders with the goal of minimizing the ecological footprint of maritime transport. Petersson said the ZVT collaborative model is now being duplicated within the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). On water purification, Lång and Madan emphasized how their processes promote resource efficiency and circular economy. In closing, Mattias Landgren, Sweden, emphasized that sustainability must be a priority in the blue economy, and underscored good business opportunities that a sustainable blue economy provides. Noting that Sweden was recently named by Forbes magazine as the number one ranked country for business, he said they aimed to keep that position and serve as a source of inspiration and innovation. Niklas Lång, Höganäs AB, explained how using mineral-based by-products from the steel industry can purify water, removing phosphorus, copper, nickel and zinc, which can then be recycled back into the value chain. Per Bondemark, SSAB, explained how a disruptive technology using hydrogen should revolutionize the steel industry, significantly cutting its CO2 emissions and contributing to reduced acidification of oceans. Dick Höglund, Terntank Shipping, explained his role in developing a pilot financial instrument that promotes innovation while reducing risks in investing in green infrastructure. Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency, said the ZVT collaborative model is now being used regionally in HELCOM. Panel (L-R): Mattias Landgren, Swedish Ministry for Infrastructure; Erik Fridell, IVL Environmental Institute; Dick Höglund, Terntank Shipping; Edvard Molitor, Port of Gothenburg; Tryggve Möller, Tärntank; Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency; Per Bondemark, SSAB; Niklas Lång, Höganäs AB; and Tandukar Madan, Höganäs AB. Contacts: Helén Jannson (ZVT) | helen@zerovisiontool.com Erik Fridell (IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute) | erik.fridell@ivl.se Sophie Carter (Swedish Steel Producers’ Association) | sophie.carter@jernkontoret.se More Information: http://www.zerovisiontool.com/event/agenda-2030-un-ocean-conference http://www.jernkontoret.se/sv/energi--miljo/vatten/havskonferens/?id=9501 Ocean's 8: One Planet, One Ocean – Celebrating Global Cooperation on Ocean Science Presented by Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, with Sky News, UN Environment, UN General Assembly, Government of Peru and the Permanent mission of Iceland to the UN This event, moderated by David Eades, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), included a presentation ceremony followed by a panel discussion. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, set the stage for the celebration, saying that we need more global Ocean Science to achieve SDG 14 and respect the Paris Agreement. She called for 2021-2030 to become the International Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Eades then announced the laureates of Ocean’s 8 for Ocean Science: The Seychelles, for innovative financing; Norway, for promoting professional involvement in Ocean science; UN Environment, on behalf of thirteen countries, for developing science-based solutions to reduce plastic in the Ocean; Argentina, for sustained national investment in Ocean science; the US for promoting Ocean science for the benefit of the global community; Morocco, for promoting gender equality; Portugal, for international cooperation; and the Nippon Foundation (Japan) for education and outreach. Panelists then focused on the key question: “Does the Ocean need more science or more action? ” Peter Thomson, President of the UN General Assembly, spoke about the importance of science in achieving SDG 14. He underlined the strong involvement of the international community and from the business community in that struggle, drawing the parallel with the level of involvement for tackling climate change. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden, said that policy makers sometimes need to take difficult decisions, without all the required knowledge available. She stressed the need for science-policy debates and for Ocean literacy among society. Bokova said that because the Ocean is transboundary by nature, we need international cooperation to be able to address knowledge gaps and build interdisciplinary science. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UNEP, cited three reasons for focusing on plastic: it is a huge problem; it has big economic consequences; and it is easy to understand so people can act. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, spoke about the opportunity to have a decade-long focus on Ocean science to improve our knowledge on such a vast issue. He also announced the launch of a new scientific expedition by his country, covering all oceans over the next three years. Thomas Moore, Sky Ocean Rescue, emphasized the results of media campaigns about plastic pollution, resulting in plastic bans in several countries. Craig McLean, US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), stressed the important work of the IOC and the contribution of many countries in Ocean science to improve Ocean management. Ana Paula Vitorino, Minister of the Seas, Portugal, receives the Ocean’s 8 certificate for international cooperation in Ocean Science from Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General. Vincent Meriton, Vice-President of Seychelles, receives the Ocean’s 8 certificate for innovative financing for Ocean science. Adrian Grenier, actor, co-founder of the Lonely Whale Foundation and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, spoke about the importance of the UN Environment Clean Seas campaign. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment (UNEP), receives the certificate for developing science-based solutions to reduce plastic in the Ocean. Panel (L-R): David Eades, BBC; Peter Haugan, President, IOC; Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCO; Peter Thomson, President, UN General Assembly; Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment; and Thomas Moore, Sky News and Sky Ocean Rescue Campaign. Contacts: Julian Barbière (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO) | j.barbiere@unesco.org Clare Stark (Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP), UNESCO) | c.stark@unesco.org More Information: http://en.unesco.org/united-nations-ocean-conference/ocean-s-8-celebration Environmentally Sound Waste Management as Action against Marine Litter Presented by the Swedish Government Offices and the World Bank Karin Kemper, the World Bank, said the Bank is ready to support governments and partners in achieving sustainable management of both land-based and sea-based marine litter. Highlighting that 80% of the marine litter comes from land-based sources, Isabella Lövin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister, said Sweden will commit a package of contributions targeting marine litter, including: contributions to the UN Environment’s Global Programme of Action for the Protection of Marine Environment from Land-based Activites (GPA) and the UNEP Regional Seas Programme. She said the government will, for the first time, highlight sustainable oceans in its next global strategy for development, and will also scale up efforts in capacity building for sound waste management domestically and internationally. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden, stressed that “securing a circular economy is the way forward,” and highlighted the need for designing effective plastic deposit schemes. She also suggested creating a system where waste services are included in the harbor fees, without the need for special fees. Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister for Maritime Sovereignty in the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Indonesia, said Indonesia has undertaken a 15-city survey, finding that 20% of plastic leakage is going into the rivers and 80% into the Ocean. To address that, he noted Indonesia is developing domestic measures including: setting a tax on plastic bags; building 55,000 km of road from recycled plastic; and working with Nordic countries on developing waste energy projects. Noting that Ocean plastic pollution costs US$ 13 billion a year, Lisa Emilia Svensson, UNEP, presented the “#CleanSeas” campaign, which aims to achieve a global ban on microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products, and a substantial reduction in the use and production of single-use plastics. Linda Gårdstam, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, stressed that if one does not have an effective waste management strategy, then the waste will inevitably become marine litter. She presented several successful Swedish domestic measures, including refunding cans and plastic bottles and empowering consumers to take action through extensive public awareness campaigns. Anna Petersson, Chair of HELCOM Maritime, presented the HELCOM Action Plan on Marine Litter, which includes 30 regional actions (the HELCOM Collective Actions) and 27 voluntary national actions, as well as a reporting format for the implementation of actions. She explained that both regional and national actions are grouped in: land-based sources of marine litter; sea-based sources of marine litter; and education and outreach on marine litter. In the ensuing discussion, participants raised questions related to, inter alia, the actions taken by governments to stop the production of single-use plastics, and the design of policies and programs that address the synergies between SDG 14 on oceans and SDG 6 on water. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment of Sweden, said the time for questioning the use of single-use plastic products, which then stay for 450 years in the Ocean, has arrived. Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister for Maritime Sovereignty in the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Indonesia, announced that Indonesia finalized a national plan of action on marine litter. Lisa Emilia Svensson, UNEP, stressed that “plastic in the Ocean is plastic on our plates.” Isabella Lövin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister, noted that we are throwing away 13 million tons of plastic per year globally and that if the trend continues, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the Ocean. Anna Petersson, Chair of HELCOM Maritime, presented the HELCOM Action Plan on Marine Litter. Linda Gårdstam, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, said only 1% of domestic waste in Sweden goes to landfill thanks to highly effective waste management systems. Panel (L-R): Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden; Isabella Lövin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister; Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister for Maritime Sovereignty in the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Indonesia; Karin Kemper, the World Bank; Lisa Emilia Svensson, UNEP; Linda Gårdstam, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency; and Anna Petersson, Chair of HELCOM MARITIME. Patrick Nickisch, Oceanos, posing question to the panel. Contacts: Jenny Hedman (Swedish EPA) | jenny.hedman@naturvardsverket.se More Information: https://www.naturvardsverket.se/Documents/ [PDF]

The following side events were covered by ENBOTS on Monday, 5 June 2017: High-level Dialogue on Oceans and Small Island States Interconnections Among the SDGs as a Force Multiplier for Implementation of SDG 14 Healers of Our Ocean: Asia-Pacific Women Leading Ocean Action to Achieve SDG 14 – How Can We Learn from Them? Ocean Health, Climate Change and Migration: Understanding the Nexus and Implications for People on the Move How Scientific Knowledge on Oceans Can Contribute to the Implementation of National Action Plans on Climate and Human-induced Changes Transitioning to the Blue Economy: Partnerships, Innovation and Approaches for Small Island States IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, will provide daily web coverage of selected side events at the Ocean Conference. Kindly return to this site on Monday, 5 Jun 2017, for more information. Photos by IISD/ENBOTS | Francis DejonFor photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page High-level Dialogue on Oceans and Small Island States Presented by: the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), SIDS-DOCK and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Maldives, and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), noted that Maldives will expand the Parley partnership and, through it, make a one million km2 area in the Indian Ocean plastic-free. Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer and Explorer, Mission Blue, Sylvia Earle Alliance, stressed that “we are at a critical crossroads as actions taken now will affect the health of the planet for thousands of years.” She highlighted the unique chance in history of the current generation to take action, stating that her generation was not aware of the problem due to the lack of spatial imaginary technology. Cyrill Gutsch, Founder, Parley for the Oceans, stressed that “we have all the technology that we need to save the Ocean,” but what is needed is someone to come with the necessary strategy to leverage it for current challenges. Highlighting that almost all environmental issues are failed economic schemes, he said that the creative industries are the ones who can come with the needed innovative solutions. Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank (EIB), said the EIB will invest USD 100 million in loans until 2020 to fund mitigation and adaptation projects in the Caribbean. Noting that the EIB is already supporting USD 2.5 billion worth of blue economy initiatives yearly, he stressed the need to make progress on blending private and public resources to meet the financing needs for saving the Ocean. Douglas Frantz, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said the blue economy is the “blue bullet” needed to save the Ocean, requiring innovative investments and expertise from many different fields. He noted that the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee is giving “high priority” to reviewing the graduating conditions of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Middle Income Countries (MICs) and that the OECD will expand its work on biodiversity and ecosystems. Nishan Degnarain, World Economic Forum (WEF), introduced the “Tuna Traceability Declaration,” launched today, in which leaders of the world’s biggest retailers, tuna processors, marketers, traders and harvesters, with the support of civil society organizations and governments, pledge that, by 2020, all tuna products in their supply chains will be fully traceable to the vessel and trip dates, and that this information will be disclosed upon request at the point of sale either on the packaging or via an online system. In the ensuing discussion, participants addressed, inter alia, the problem of reduced access to concessional funding caused by SIDS graduation and the need for a comprehensive assessment of the UN development system’s support to SIDS. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS) welcomed the participants. Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Maldives, and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), higlighted the positive impacts of the Maldives expansion of the Parley partnership. Douglas Frantz, OECD, said the OECD will expand its work on biodiversity and ecosystems. Contacts: Louise Stoddard (Public Information Officer UN-OHRLLS) | stoddard@un.org More Information: http://unohrlls.org/event/high-level-dialogue-oceans-small-island-states/ Interconnections Among the SDGs as a Force Multiplier for Implementation of SDG 14 Presented by: International Council for Science (ICSU), in partnership with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), Future Earth Ocean Knowledge Action Network, and the Cluster of Excellence “The Future Ocean” Douglas McCauley, University of California, noted that the first point of connectivity of SDG 14 is SDG 8 (economic growth), and explained that if the Ocean was an economy it would be the 7th economy in the world, at USD 24 trillion. He also presented examples of strong connections with SDGs 2 (on hunger), 1 (on poverty), 13 (on climate change), 7 (on energy), and 15 (on biodiversity). Stefanie Schmidt, IASS, spoke about challenges that appear in SDG implementation because the interlinkages between the goals are not mentioned in their targets and there is no guidance on how to effectively tackle them. She said her research shows strong connections between SDG 14 and SDGs 1, 2, 8, 13, 11 (on cities) and 12 (on sustainable consumption and production). David Obura, Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian Ocean (CORDIO) East Africa, identified several key action areas with regards to the interconnections between SDG 14 and the other SDGs, including: ensuring the sustainability of small-scale and artisanal fisheries and agriculture (related to SDGs 2 and 12); transitioning to a carbon-neutral environment (related to SDG 13); implementing integrated Ocean planning and management (related to SDG 8); and investing in social capital as pathway to future prosperity (related to SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 3 on health, and SDG 4 on education). Leopoldo Cavaleri Gerhardinger, University of the Region of Joinville, Brazil, spoke about the importance of mobilizing non-state networks related to fisheries, marine protected areas and integrated coastal management to support an integrative approach to SDG 14’s implementation. He called for connecting transformative actions into coherent narratives and testing strategic advice derived from theories of transformative agency to promote regime shifts in Ocean governance systems. In the ensuing discussion, participants raised issues related to, inter alia: the importance of spreading the word on the interlinkages between SDG 14 and the other SDGs to advance the Ocean agenda; the need to set a governance review framework and a follow-up strategy on SDG 14; the importance of regional partnerships to address transboundary issues; and using the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) as a follow-up fora on SDG interconnectivity. Stefanie Schmidt, IASS, highlighted the need for a refined assessment of the interlinkages and tradeoffs between the SDGs. Douglas McCauley, University of California, stressed that “our faith is intrinsically linked with the faith of oceans.” Participants underscored the need to set a governance review framework and a follow-up strategy on SDG 14. Contacts: Denise Young (Head of Communications, International Council for Science) | denise.young@icsu.org More Information: https://www.icsu.org/events/interconnections-among-the-sdgs-as-a-force-multiplier-for-implementation-of-sdg14 Healers of Our Ocean: Asia-Pacific Women Leading Ocean Action to Achieve SDG 14 – How Can We Learn from Them? Presented by: World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), UN Environment, and partners This event was moderated by Tiffany Straza, UN Environment, who stressed that Ocean management without women will not work, and invited participants to share lessons and strategies on how women’s inclusion can create more effective ocean management for all. She urged everyone to visit the profiles of women leaders on the “Ocean Healers” page of the SPREP website. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden, emphasized Sweden’s commitment to gender equality in all SDGs implementation. She highlighted: the need to consider how land actions affect Ocean health; the importance of women having an equal part in decision-making on sustainable development, whether on land or in oceans; and the importance of "Ocean Literacy" to SDG 14 implementation. Cristelle Pratt, Deputy Secretary-General, Pacific Islands Forum, said the involvement of women is essential to implementing SDG 14, and this principle is enshrined in the Ocean management instruments of the Pacific region. She noted the Pacific Ocean Alliance facilitated by the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and urged everyone interested in oceans to join it. Tarusila Veibi, Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) Network, discussed her role as the sole female representative for her province on a resource committee. She highlighted local success stories in protecting mangrove habitats and in promoting sustainable fishing practices and alternative sustainable livelihoods. Rindah Melsen, President, Nusatuva Women’s Savings Club, Solomon Islands, spoke on the importance of fisheries to island livelihoods and food security, the role women play, and how her community savings club encourages women and girls to explore alternative sources of income and livelihood. Wendy Watson-Wright, CEO, Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), Canada, discussed the importance of creating female heros, or “she-ros,” and OFI's efforts to promote greater female participation in ocean research and management. Carol Phua, WWF-Netherlands, introduced the “Ocean Witness” initiative seeking to amplify and empower the voices of people experiencing first-hand the changes to the Ocean. In the ensuing discussion, participants discussed, inter alia: the importance of incorporating gender dimensions in all Ocean Conference discussions and partnership dialogues; the need for strengthening “Southern” civil society organizations so they can take up the promotion of gender equity; the importance of addressing the special challenges facing indigenous women leaders; and the launch of a “Women for Oceans” global platform to support women involved in ocean management. Panel (L-R): Tiffany Straza, UN Environment; Cristelle Pratt, Pacific Islands Forum; Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden; Rindah Melsen, President, Nusatuva Women’s Saving Club, Solomon Islands; Wendy Watson-Wright, CEO, Ocean Frontier Institute, Canada; Tarusila Veibi, FLMMA Network; and Carol Phua, WWF-Netherlands. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden, said women should have an equal part in decision-making on sustainable development, whether regarding land actions or the oceans. Cristelle Pratt, Deputy Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum, said oceans management represents significant economic and leadership opportunities for women. Tarusila Veibi, FLMMA Network, discussed being the only woman presenting her province on a resources committee, and her role in helping organizing protection of mangroves habitats and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Carol Phua, WWF-Netherlands, introduced the launch of the “Ocean Witness” initiative seeking to amplify and empower the voices of people experiencing first hand the changes to the ocean. Contacts: Tiffany Straza (UN Environment) | tstraza@gmail.com Alfred Ralifo (WWF) | aralifo@wwfpacific.org More Information: www.sprep.org/pacific-voyage-un-ocean-conference-2017/ocean-healers http://oceanwitness.org/ Ocean Health, Climate Change and Migration: Understanding the Nexus and Implications for People on the Move Presented by: International Organization for Migration (IOM) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) This session, moderated by Rosiland Jordan, Al Jazeera, discussed the interlinkages between Ocean, migration and climate change. Opening the session, Ashraf El Nour, Director, IOM Office to the UN, said that meeting on World Environment Day was an important opportunity to voice concern about threats facing the Ocean. Naipote Katonitabua, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Fiji, spoke on the threats to oceans and coastal communities, including loss of livelihood linked to sea level rises, coastal erosion and others. He spoke on various phenomena that impact the migration of communities, giving the example of fishermen migrating inland, and natural disasters that displace many each year. Luis Oña Garcés, Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the UN, stressed the fundamental role of the Ocean in many key societal issues, including development, poverty eradication and food security. He stated the critical need to bring the human dimension to the debates, noting the risks to the survival of many societies as well as to the biological support system of the planet. Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina, Director General, Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (RMIFC), Madagascar, stressed Madagascar’s strong dependence on maritime issues, since 41% of the land is coastal and 65% of the population lives in coastal areas. He spoke on Madagascar’s Ocean, climate change and mitigation initiatives, noting that more work needed to be done to improve data collection for interaction between these interlinked themes. Françoise Gaill, Ocean and Climate Platform, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary methods. She called for a two-step approach to first understand the Ocean system, to then develop tools to predict and identify impacts on ecosystems and their resulting economic and human consequences, among others. Stating the estimated USD 24 trillion value of Ocean assets, John Tanzer, WWF, said that while you cannot reduce the Ocean’s value to a monetary figure, it does have economic importance. He cautioned that this economic value of Ocean assets is declining, explaining the resulting negative impacts on those dependent on it. Mariam Traore Chazalnoel, IOM, spoke on her organization’s work on the Ocean dimensions of migration, underscoring that 220 million people currently live in coastal areas of the world and may be threatened by displacement due to future coastal erosion. She explained work on responses to this threat, including to help populations stay where they are, through disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation. John Tanzer, WWF, said the destruction of coral reefs is real and rapid, underscoring that those depending on that ecosystem are very exposed. Françoise Gaill, Ocean and Climate Platform, discussed the role of the research community in environmental sustainability and migration issues. Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina, RMIFC, Madagascar, said that Madagascar is already experiencing internal displacement of its population due to climate change impacts on the Ocean. Ashraf El Nour, Director, IOM Office to the UN, drew attention to the importance of the climate change, migration and ocean nexus, and called for innovative and integrated approaches to these issues, both at the national level and at the UN level. Panel (L-R): Luis Oña Garcés, Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the UN; Ashraf El Nour, Director, IOM Office to the UN; Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina, Director General, RMIFC, Madagascar; John Tanzer, WWF; Rosiland Jordan, Al Jazeera; and Françoise Gaill, Ocean and Climate Platform. Contacts: Lanna Walsh (IOM) | lwalsh@iom.int More Information: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents /15218Ocean_Conference___Side_Event_on_Oceans_and_Migration_Concept_Note_05_June_2017_FINAL.pdf How Scientific Knowledge on Oceans Can Contribute to the Implementation of National Action Plans on Climate and Human-induced Changes Presented by: Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Governments of the Dominican Republic and Argentina, and the Cousteau Society This event, moderated by Jessica Faieta, Assistant Secretary-General and Director, Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, UNDP, focused on current scientific knowledge on oceans to identify knowledge gaps and contribute towards national action plans on climate and human induced changes in the oceans. Francisco Domínguez Brito, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Dominican Republic, stressed the specific challenge of understanding what is happening in the ocean compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Noting that his country is among the 10 countries most affected by climate change, he outlined areas of particular importance for his country, including overfishing by local and foreign actors and plastic pollution. Diego Moreno, Vice Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Argentina, presented three policy tools: the Pampa Azul Initiative, which aims to produce more knowledge regarding the Argentine Sea; a marine spatial planning tool designed to share information from all activity sectors; and the national system of protected areas. Alberto Piola, Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), stressed the exceptional productivity of the Southern Ocean. He highlighted the project’s goals to: understand exchange processes between marine costal ecosystems and the deep ocean; characterize the temporal scales of variability of these processes; and build interdisciplinary bridges for that understanding. Jose Muelbert, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande and IAI, highlighted the need to better understand ecosystem functioning, especially regarding ocean acidification and processes leading to dead zones. He stressed that “we cannot manage what we do not observe” and outlined three needs: enhance science on the way climate change impacts oceans; improve technological development regarding ecosystem management; and enhance planning and strategic cooperation between countries. Rebecca Klaus, Cousteau Society, presented tools to support ecosystem-based management. She stressed the need to improve the way we communicate the data we have and the particular importance of realistic indicators for policy makers. Nik Sekhran, UNDP, highlighted that three main challenges facing oceans are unsustainable fisheries, climate change, and plastic accumulation. He pointed to two actions by UNDP in that domain: to demystify Ocean science for better incorporation into policy and to build capacity, notably in working on transboundary assessments and on finding solutions collectively. In the ensuing discussion, participants considered means of improving international cooperation and the role of business for enhancing capacity, notably through industry clusters. Jessica Faieta, UNDP, said the deadline for SDG 14 is 2020 and 2025, not 2030, and that is why it is one of the first conferences on the SDGs. Francisco Domínguez Brito, Environment Minister, Dominican Republic, said that, due to climate change, there is desertification in the oceans too but the difference is that we cannot see it. Alberto Piola, IAI, stressed that the Southern Ocean is among the most productive of the global oceans. Rebecca Klaus, the Cousteau Society, stressed the need for better communicating the knowledge we have and for developing tools for poor countries in order to influence the policy-making process and inform society. Diego Moreno, Argentina, stressed the huge potential of the Argentine Sea and the need to protect its resources. Jose Muelbert, IAI, presented on how science can be useful for policy makers and the societies that rely on the ocean. Panel (L-R): Ione Anderson, IAI; Diego Moreno, Vice Minister, National Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Argentina; Jessica Faieta, Director, Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, UNDP; Nik Sekhran, UN Development Programme (UNDP); Francisco Domínguez Brito, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Dominican Republic; Alberto Piola, IAI; Rebecca Klaus, Cousteau Society; and Jose Muelbert, IAI. Contacts: Ione Anderson (UN Liaison Officer, Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research) | ianderson@dir.iai.int Renata Rubian (United Nations Development Programme) | renata.rubian@undp.org More Information: www.iai.int Transitioning to the Blue Economy: Partnerships, Innovation and Approaches for Small Island States Presented by: the Governments of Grenada and Cabo Verde, The Nature Conservancy, and the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Partners: The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, The Nordic Council, OECD, UNDP, FAO, and the World Bank Small States Forum. Árni Mathiesen, Assistant Director General, FAO, opened the event that was moderated by Angus Friday, Ambassador to the US and Mexico and Permanent Representative of the Organization of American States. José da Silva Goncalves, Minister of Economy and Employment, Cabo Verde, stressed the importance of the blue economy for SIDS, highlighting the potential for his country in tourism, renewable energy, water provision and fisheries. Keisha McGuire, Permanent Representative of Grenada to the UN, highlighted various collaborations in place for building a blue economy in Grenada, including with the Netherlands, and the World Bank. Douglas Frantz, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD, spoke on the opportunities for a blue economy, stressing the role of the OECD in bringing a multistakeholder and evidence-based approach to this economy. Hans Hogeveen, the Netherlands. stressed the need for innovation and partnerships with the private sector and NGOs, leading to a blue economy that brings sustainable growth, inclusion and social equity. Speaking on innovation in finance, Kathy McLeod, The Nature Conservancy, gave an example of wave attenuation by mangroves and coral reefs, explaining how economic value can be created from these natural services. David Robin, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, presented the OECS’ framework for fisheries governance, based on an inclusive and multistakeholder approach, stressing that Ocean resources are the last frontier for a self-reliant development for Eastern Caribbean States. Geir Oddsson, Nordic Council of Ministers, underscored the importance of telling success stories on how to create revenues from oceans resources. He also stressed that the Nordic Council was particularly dedicated to addressing plastic pollution and criminality in fisheries. Carlos Rocha, Cabo Verde, cited several axes of progress towards a blue economy, including integrated management of resources and resilient ecosystem management. Patrick Gomes, Secretary General, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, stressed the importance of bringing the problem of harmful subsidies to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure that overfishing is no longer perpetuated at the expense of SIDS countries. John Virdin, Duke University, highlighted the importance of small-scale fisheries as the largest employer in the blue economy, and the need to reinforce them. Doreen Kibuka-Musoke, World Bank Group, presented the priority areas of the Small States Secretariat, based on the necessities of job creation and attracting investment. Spencer Thomas, Grenada, underlined that the transition to a blue economy is a transformation from a fossil-fuel economy, and that issues of communication and capacity building are critical for SIDS. Tumi Tómasson, UN University, announced commitment assistance to SIDS through a transdisciplinary fisheries training programme that formed 350 fellows, among them 65 from SIDS. In closing remarks, Dessima Williams, Special Adviser on SDGs to the President of the UN General Assembly, stressed the importance of discussions around SDG 14 as a push for all other SDGs and the central role for the register of voluntary commitments. Kathy McLeod, The Nature Conservancy, said that coral reefs and mangrove are critical for wave attenuation and must be monetizised. Hans Hogeveen, the Netherlands, said that we need a paradigm shift for the blue economy, with the private sector and NGOs at the forefront of its implementation. Doreen Kibuka-Musoke, the World Bank Group, said that they consolidated seven priority action areas for a blue economy in Grenada. Panel (L-R): Douglas Frantz, OECD; Árni Mathiesen, FAO; Keisha McGuire, Grenada; José da Silva Goncalves, Cabo Verde; Hans Hogeveen, the Netherlands; and Angus Friday, Grenada. Contacts: Safiya Sawney (Coordinator) | safiya@bluegrowth.org Jorge Barbosa (Coordinator) | jgbarbos@gmail.com More Information: www.bluegrowth.org

The Fifth Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) opened in Cancún, Mexico, on Wednesday, 24 May 2017. This followed two preparatory days, during which delegates met in regional meetings and networking sessions. Meeting for the first time since the approval of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Japan in 2015, delegates convened for a brief plenary session in the morning. They then broke out into special sessions and working sessions, which met in parallel throughout the morning. Two special sessions considered the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. During the four working sessions in the morning, delegates considered: critical infrastructure, international cooperation, risk insurance, and the Sendai Framework Monitor Prototype. In the afternoon, delegates attended an opening ceremony, attended by Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto, who called for enhanced prevention and preparedness measures to address disaster risk. Also in attendance was Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, who underscored that DRR and climate change resilience are integral to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. High-level delegates then convened in a closed-door Leaders Forum. Others convened in two parallel working sessions to consider risk information and disaster loss databases, and private sector engagement in DRR. Side events were also held over the lunch break and in the late afternoon. In the evening, participants attended a reception hosted by the Government of Mexico. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily reports in English and Spanish, daily web coverage, and daily Earth Negotiations Videos (ENV) from the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. In addition, IISD Reporting Services published a summary report of the meeting in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page . Welcome Plenary Session Remberto Estrada Barba, Mayor of the Municipality of Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo, Mexico Luis Felipe Puente, Coordinador General, Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (SINAPROC), Mexico Robert Glasser, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for DRR and Head of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Remberto Estrada Barba, Mayor of the Municipality of Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo, Mexico and Robert Glasser, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for DRR and Head of UNISDR, at the end of the session Special Session - Build Back Better & Preparedness (L-R) Johannes Luchner, Director, Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (ECHO), European Commission (EC); Inonge Wina, Vice President of the Zambia; Session Co-Chair Aris Papadopoulos, Adviser, Titan America; Session Chair Lourdes Tibán, Member of Parliament, Ecuador; Session Chair Shigeki Habuka, Vice Minister, Cabinet Office, Japan; Khaled Abo Aisheh, Director, Programming of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA); and Marcie Roth, Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA/DHS), US Inonge Wina, Vice President of the Zambia Session Co-Chair Aris Papadopoulos, CEO, Titan America Marcie Roth, Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA/DHS), US Session Co-Chair Shigeki Habuka, Japan Session Co-Chair Lourdes Tibán, Ecuador Working Session - Critical Infrastructure (L-R) Rubem Hofliger, Swiss Re; Michele Young, Asia Regional Shelter and Construction Advisor, Save the Children; P.K. Mishra, Prime Minister’s Office; Session Chair Wais Ahmad Barmak, Minister of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Afghanistan; Hirotada Matsuki, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan; Hans Sy, President SM Prime; and Inés Gutiérrez, Peru Rubenm Hofliger, Director-General, Natural Disasters Fund, Mexico, and Michele Young, Asia Regional Shelter and Construction Advisor, Save the Children Hans Sy, Executive Director, President SM Prime, and Inés Gutiérrez, Peru Rubenm Hofliger, Director-General, Natural Disasters Fund, Mexico, and Michele Young, Asia Regional Shelter and Construction Advisor at Save the Children Translation for deaf participants Working Session - Sendai Framework Monitor Consultation (L-R) Andria Grosvenor, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); Kamal Kishore, National Disaster Management Authority, India; Marc Gordon, UNISDR; Session Co-Chair Yannick Glemarec, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programme, UN Women; Session Co-Chair Mercedita Sombilla, National Economic and Development Authority, the Philippines; and Martin Owor, Commissioner for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Management in the Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Special Session - Early Warning & Risk Information (L-R) Elliot Jacks, US National Weather Service; Molly Nielson, Principal Disaster Management Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa; Session Chair Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Coordinator of the FemLINKPACIFIC, Fiji; Session Chair David Edgar Tonoyan, Minister of Emergency Situations, Armenia; Session Chair Gautier Mignot, Director, Sustainable Development, Ministry of Interior, France; Petteri Talaas, Secretary-General, WMO; and Tatsuo Hirano, Member of Parliament, Japan Working Session - International Cooperation (L-R) Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Director, UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS); Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Director-General of Global Issues, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; Session Chair David Douglas Des Van Rooyen, Minister, Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa; Laura Tuck, Vice President of Sustainable Development, World Bank; Sandra Wu, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Kokusai Kogyo Co. Ltd; and Rolf Alter, Director of Public Governance, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Session - Risk Insurance (L-R) Sophia Belay, Oxfam America; Shaun Tarbuck, CEO, International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation; Phil Evans, COO, Met Office; Session Co-Chair Riikka Laatu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland; Session Co-Chair Simon Young, African Risk Capacity Insurance Company Limited; Liliana Cardozo de Cano, Tarjy; and Robert Muir-Wood, Risk Management Solutions Opening Ceremony Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, and Amina Mohamed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, before the opening ceremony Mayan cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction The dais during the opening ceremony Carlos Joaquin Gonzales, Governor, Quintana Roo, Mexico Robert Glasser, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for DRR and Head of UNISDR Participants watched a video about the history of the DRR process Amina Mohamed, UN Deputy Secretary-General Luis Videgaray Caso, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mexico Participants watched a video on DRR activities in Mexico Amina Mohamed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico Participants during the opening ceremony The media at the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Working Session - Private Sector Engagement (L-R) Session Co-Chair Chloe Demrovsky, Executive Director, DRI; Daniel Stander, Risk Management Solutions; Mark Crosweller, Director General, Emergency Management, Australia; Dale Sands, CH2M; and Jesús González Arellano, KPMG, Mexico Working Session - Risk Information & Loss Databases (L-R) Anoja Seneviratne, Director of Mitigation Research and Development, Sri Lanka; Bapon Fakhruddin, Senior Specialist in DRR and Climate Resilience, Bangladesh; Session Co-Chair Fatih Özer, Department Head, Disaster & Emergency Management Authority of Turkey; Session Co-Chair Ricardo Peña-Herrero, Undersecretary of Risk Analysis, Ecuador; and Jutta May, Information and Knowledge Management Specialist, Noumea, New Caledonia Around the Venue Red Cross youth members dance at a parallel event on resilience Delegates gather for the first day of the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The following side events were covered by ENBOTS on Tuesday, 16 May 2017: Open Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Operationalization of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform Achieving the Paris Agreement through Climate Action in the Land Sector? Strengthening Leadership on Low-Carbon Transport to Deliver Long-Term Climate Goals Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency: Initial Results and Future Expectations IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage of selected side events at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, May 2017. Photos by IISD/ENB | Angeles Estrada Vigil For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Open Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Operationalization of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples PlatformPresented by the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) This open multi-stakeholder dialogue convened as part of the process to develop the local communities and indigenous peoples platform (LCIP platform), established by Decision 1/CP.21 (Adoption of the Paris Agreement). Carlos Fuller, Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), and Grace Balawag, International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC), co-chaired the discussion. During the opening session, Fuller said the establishment of the LCIP platform during COP 21 confirmed that parties recognize the need to strengthen knowledge, technologies, practices and efforts of LCIPs to address and respond to climate change. He applauded the opportunity provided during the dialogue to exchange experiences and share best practices on mitigation and adaptation in a holistic and integrated manner, and emphasized that the dialogue will contribute to articulating clear functions and the structure of the new platform. Balawag welcomed the opportunity for knowledge and experience exchange between all stakeholders, and urged a rich conversation that will provide the basis for a “robust new structure” in order to benefit all LCIPs across the globe. In a keynote address, Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, said LCIPs are the stakeholders who best understand the impacts of climate change, as they are “fighting on the frontlines.” Noting that neither the Paris Agreement nor the LCIP platform can succeed without LCIP stakeholders submitting their views, she urged representatives to ensure their “voices are heard” during the dialogue. During the second session, the panel discussion was moderated by Stephen Leonard, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), during which participants discussed existing experiences with the involvement of LCIPs and with the use of traditional knowledge (TK). Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, IIPFCC, provided examples of indigenous peoples’ participation in UN bodies, including in: the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and the Working Group on Article 8(j) (TK) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  Douglas Nakashima, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said that UNESCO envisions a platform that brings together elements of scientific and indigenous peoples’ knowledge to co-produce “best available knowledge.” He shared examples of UNESCO’s approaches for incorporating indigenous knowledge into its procedures. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, UN Development Programme (UNDP), shared UNDP’s 25 years of experience collaborating with indigenous peoples through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP). She stressed that 15% of the GEF’s small grants support indigenous peoples. During the third session of the dialogue, the UNFCCC Secretariat presented on submissions received on the purpose, content and structure of the LCIP platform, concentrating on three possible interconnected functions: providing a space for exchange of experiences and sharing of best practices; building capacities of LCIPs to effectively engage in the UNFCCC and other relevant processes, including supporting implementation of the Paris Agreement; and facilitating the integration of diverse knowledge systems, practices and innovations, and the engagement of LCIPs in relevant climate change-related actions, programmes and policies.  LCIP representatives, on behalf of the IIPFCC, inter alia: urged parties to promote and recognize the sustainable practices of indigenous peoples, and encouraged the establishment of “creative links” within the UNFCCC; called for ensuring LCIPs’ full and effective participation; called attention to the need for adequate funding to support LCIPs; emphasized the importance of capacity building to enable indigenous peoples to make a contribution at the international level; stressed that indigenous youth and women require “special measures and targeted attention” to ensure effective transmission of intergenerational knowledge; and called for knowledge exchange in a context-based manner.  Many countries and other entities provided inputs as well. The CBD said that the success of the Working Group on Article 8(j) lies in the nomination of an indigenous co-chair. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the platform should strengthen the connection of LCIPs with the UNFCCC for a meaningful and informed partnership. UNESCO called for knowledge exchanges between LCIPs and scientists that are more holistic and take into account social and cultural components. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNSRRIP) emphasized the “inextricable link” between respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and their capacities to contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as disaster preparedness and management. Emphasizing linkages between the platform and the Sustainable Development Goals, she stressed the need to look at traditional resource management systems to deal with knowledge exchange in a holistic and integrated manner. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stressed the need to build LCIPs’ capacities to participate in climate policies and actions at the national and international levels. Women and Gender said the platform could serve to preserve TK. The EU underscored the importance of building on relevant experiences within the UNFCCC and learning from experiences in other international contexts. New Zealand expressed support for the LCIP platform’s aim to give indigenous peoples an active role in helping shape climate action. Ecuador looked forward to the platform’s operationalization, highlighting LCIPs’ “special relationship” with Mother Earth. Canada called for: indigenous peoples to be self-represented in the platform; enhancing interconnectedness among TK and other knowledge systems; and acknowledging losses already experienced by indigenous peoples.    Antigua and Barbuda highlighted her country’s legislation mandating LCIPs’ representation in domestic and international processes. Emphasizing the importance of TK systems for global action on mitigation and adaptation, Norway noted that “the best results come when indigenous peoples have been included and are taking the lead.” Costa Rica called for a coordination mechanism to share knowledge and information on climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Australia said information presented during the dialogue should feed into the platform. Bolivia called for: the establishment of a participatory mechanism on indigenous peoples; meaningful intercultural knowledge exchange among indigenous peoples of the world; and horizontal inter-scientific dialogue among indigenous peoples and established scientific systems. Peru said nationally determined approaches to implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) could be shared through the platform. L-R: Grace Balawag, IIPFCC; Carlos Fuller, SBSTA Chair; Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC; Koko Warner, UNFCCC; Laurence Pollier, UNFCCC; and Kapupu Diwa Mutimanwa, Ligue Nationale des Associations Pygmées du Congo (LINAPYCO) Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, said the “age of implementation” has begun after reaching the Paris Agreement. Grace Balawag, IIPFCC (left), said she hoped this meeting will be remembered for “laying the foundation” of the COP’s new agenda item. Participants during the open multi-stakeholder dialogue Participants attending the open multi-stakeholder dialogue. Panelists Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, IIPFCC, and Douglas Nakashima, UNESCO Kapupu Diwa Mutimanwa, LINAPYCO, opened the dialogue with a prayer on behalf of all LCIPs. Carlos Fuller, SBSTA Chair, emphasized that the dialogue is “a discussion and not a negotiation.” Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, IIPFCC, emphasized that indigenous peoples protect more than 80% of the world’s biodiversity. A representative from Burkina Faso participates in the LCIP platform dialogue. Stephen Leonard, CIFOR, stressed that the importance of indigenous peoples in climate change adaptation and mitigation “cannot be overstated.” Estebancio Castro Diaz, IIPFCC, stressed the need to link the LCIP platform to climate financing programmes. L-R: Stephen Leonard, CIFOR; Douglas Nakashima, UNESCO; and Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, UNDP Victoria Tauli Corpuz, UNSRRIP, underscored that “more work needs to be done” to consider indigenous knowledge in NDCs. Geert Fremout, EU, welcomed the LPIC platform as a “timely operationalization.” Thanking Canada for taking climate action, Francois Paulette, IIPFCC, said that "what is happening to our world is a crisis, and time is not on our side." Ruth Spencer, National Coordinator, GEF SGP, Antigua and Barbuda Anne Barre, Women in Europe for a Common Future Pamela Rocha, Ecuador Contact: Rojina Manandhar | rmanandhar@unfccc.int Koko Warner | kwarner@unfccc.int More Information: http://unfccc.int/meetings/unfccc_calendar/items/10151.php Achieving the Paris Agreement through Climate Action in the Land Sector? Presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme This side event was the third of three events of the ‘Rome Series’ on ‘the Paris Agreement and the Agricultural Sectors: Feeding the World in a Changing Climate.’ This session focused on the role of agriculture and food security in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. It was moderated by Martin Frick, FAO. Highlighting that “a big chunk” of NDCs features agriculture, Lucy Ng'ang'a, Kenya, noted the potential of climate-smart agriculture in enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, improving resilience and providing additional co-benefits. She emphasized the need for technology, capacity building and resources to implement such approaches. Rita Mishaan, Guatemala, underscored that developing countries face challenges in the design, implementation and review of NDCs. She said her country is working on its low-emission development strategy, which will support the design of methodologies to ensure the necessary indicators are reflected in reporting. Walter Oyhantçabal, Uruguay, highlighted that mitigation in agriculture is distinct from other sectors given strong links to food security. Reporting back on a thematic working group meeting held in Rome two weeks previously as part of the NDC Partnership’s work on agriculture, he noted agreement to develop terms of reference for the work of the group in a country-led, participatory manner. Romeo Bertolini, NDC Partnership, highlighted that the Partnership was developed following adoption of the Paris Agreement by developed and developing countries and multilateral institutions in recognition of the need to integrate climate change into development, and fiscal and budgetary processes. He noted the Partnership’s efforts to “connect the dots” between countries to ensure continuous exchange on NDC implementation, including with regard to agriculture. In the ensuing discussion, participants raised, inter alia: the need for developed countries to take the lead in mitigation while developing countries focus on adaptation; humankind’s “dangerous dependence” on a “very narrow genetic base”; concerns that interventions in the land-use sector will lead to increased marginalization of indigenous peoples and local communities; prospects for protecting forests while improving productivity of agricultural systems; and the need to consider agriculture in the 2018 facilitative dialogue. Martin Frick, FAO, highlighted that the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement “all come together in the land sector.” Rita Mishaan, Guatemala, said that UN agencies, in addition to UNFCCC parties, need to work together on climate action. Walter Oyhantçabal, Uruguay, noted the challenge of finding an indicator that reflects progress in adaptation. Romeo Bertolini, NDC Partnership, stressed the need to ensure that “the momentum of Paris” is maintained and climate change work is not detached from other national activities. L-R: Walter Oyhantçabal, Uruguay; Lucy Ng'ang'a, Kenya; Martin Frick, FAO; Rita Mishaan, Guatemala; and Romeo Bertolini, NDC Partnership Contact: Julia Wolf | julia.wolf@fao.org More Information: http://www.fao.org/climate-change/en/ http://www1.wfp.org/climate-action https://www.ifad.org/topic/overview/tags/climate_change Strengthening Leadership on Low-Carbon Transport to Deliver Long-Term Climate GoalsPresented by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) This side event, moderated by Ramón Cruz, ITDP, discussed ways to ensure better integration of the transport sector in the long-term national decarbonization strategies of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  Cruz presented an ITDP report titled ‘Three Revolutions in Urban Transportation: How to achieve the full potential of vehicle electrification, automation and shared mobility in urban transportation systems around the world by 2050.’ He called for supportive policies to maximize the benefits of the three “revolutions” described in the report. Cornie Huizenga, Secretary General, Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT), outlined an actionable vision of transport decarbonization towards implementation of the Paris Agreement. Stressing the aim of reaching net zero emissions in the sector, he emphasized the need to strengthen leadership on low-carbon transport. Among the milestones required to take the transport sector to 1.5°C, Huizenga identified urban transformation, low-carbon energy supply strategy, model efficiency improvement and shortened supply chains.   Gregor Pawlowski, BlaBlaCar Germany, said his company is the world’s largest carpooling platform with over 40 million members worldwide. He pointed out that, with around 76% of travel in Europe done by car, the average occupancy rate per city-to-city ride is only 1.7. Noting that sharing a ride “always makes sense,” he indicated that the average occupancy rate among BlaBlaCar users is 2.8. Jean-François Gagné, International Energy Agency (IEA), highlighted “avoid, shift, improve” strategies for reducing emissions from transport. He observed that emissions from transport in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have peaked but could be rapidly reduced and that, with the right policies, transport emissions in non-OECD countries could be brought back to current levels by 2050. Gagné highlighted the IEA’s Electric Vehicle Initiative, noting that setting ambitious targets can drive accelerated progress towards emission reductions.  Among challenges faced by her country’s transport sector, Pacifica Achieng Ogola, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Kenya, highlighted transport access, urban congestion, the growing urban population and the quality of roads. She informed participants that Kenya’s emission reduction target reflected in its NDC includes the transport sector.  Kathrine von Graevenitz, Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), highlighted that pricing carbon is instrumental to fostering low-carbon transport. Among available abatement options, she listed reduction of carbon content in fuel, fuel economy in cars and other vehicles, and changing driving behaviors and transport demand, all of which can be addressed though pricing carbon. Highlighting the role of voluntary approaches, she pointed out that “incentives matter,” and their effects can be long lasting.    Marcel Beukeboom, Climate Envoy, the Netherlands, cautioned against looking at sectors in isolation and highlighted the importance of bringing stakeholders to the table. He noted: the Netherlands’ goal of all new cars being electric by 2035; that all Dutch trains have run on wind energy since 2016; and the significance of replicating his country’s experience with bicycles.  In the ensuing discussion, participants addressed, inter alia: second-hand electric vehicle use in Africa; fuel economy standards for second-hand cars; the role of policies in improving cost effectiveness of electric vehicles; obstacles to electrification of the car fleet; and the role of multi-stakeholder cooperation and public-private partnerships in transport sector decarbonization. L-R: Ramón Cruz, ITDP; Gregor Pawlowski, BlaBlaCar Germany; Marcel Beukeboom, Climate Envoy, the Netherlands; Kathrine von Graevenitz, ZEW; Cornie Huizenga, Secretary General, SLoCaT; and Jean-François Gagné, IEA Ramón Cruz, ITDP, noted that, compared to business as usual, the scenario involving automation, electrification and sharing produces “impressive global results.” L-R: Ramón Cruz, ITDP; Gregor Pawlowski, BlaBlaCar Germany; Marcel Beukeboom, Climate Envoy, the Netherlands; Kathrine von Graevenitz, ZEW; Cornie Huizenga, Secretary General, SLoCaT; and Jean-François Gagné, IEA Cornie Huizenga, Secretary General, SLoCaT, said the “time is right for a Transport Decarbonization Alliance.” Gregor Pawlowski, BlaBlaCar Germany, said that 12 million people travel using BlaBlaCar each quarter. Jean-François Gagné, IEA, indicated that electric vehicles could play a much larger role, and setting ambitious targets can drive accelerated progress. Marcel Beukeboom, Climate Envoy, the Netherlands, highlighted cooperation between the public and private sectors and civil society in the Netherlands. Ramón Cruz, ITDP, noted that, compared to business as usual, the scenario involving automation, electrification and sharing produces “impressive global results.” Pacifica Achieng Ogola, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Kenya, said that her country’s NDC includes climate proofing roads, enhancing transport systems and building roads’ resilience. Contact: Ramón Cruz (Moderator) | ramon.cruz@itdp.org  Kathrine von Graevenitz | vongraevenitz@zew.de More Information: https://www.itdp.org/ http://www.zew.de/en/ Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency: Initial Results and Future Expectations Presented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment This side event focused on analyzing initial results of, and expectations for, the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Global Coordination Platform, an initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and jointly implemented by UNDP and UN Environment. Damiano Borgogno, UNDP, moderated the event. Suzanne Lekoyiet, UN Environment, said that UN Environment has supported countries in meeting their reporting requirements under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She said that the CBIT will support developing countries by: improving transparency over time; assembling teams of experts to meet enhanced monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements under the Paris Agreement; providing tools, templates, technical assistance and training; and providing a platform for networking and sharing information and knowledge. She noted that UN Environment has supported the preparation of three CBIT concept notes to date. Toby Hedger, UNFCCC Secretariat, said Article 13 of the Paris Agreement (transparency) includes three key elements: reporting; technical expert review; and multilateral facilitative consideration. She noted that while modalities, procedures and guidelines for these elements are still being negotiated, many preparations can already occur. She highlighted the need to build capacity for institutional arrangements, tools and methodologies, and data and information. Dustin Schinn, GEF, said that, while the Paris Agreement “marked a turning point in the common fight against climate change,” action on the ground lags behind. Outlining CBIT access possibilities, he underscored that, in addition to providing national-level support, the CBIT provides regional and global support. He highlighted the CBIT’s Global Coordination Platform that supports knowledge exchange, peer-to-peer learning and exchange of practitioners. Shinn noted that US$38 million is currently available in the CBIT trust fund for new projects, with additional payments and pledges expected soon. Noting that only 36 Biennial Update Reports (BURs) were submitted during the first BUR cycle, and only five in the second, Damiano Borgogno, UNDP, highlighted the need to draw lessons from experiences with BURs and National Communications for integration into the Paris Agreement’s transparency framework. Mariana Kasprzyk, Uruguay, highlighted her country’s CBIT project, approved in March 2017, which consists of two components: strengthening national institutions for transparency; and providing tools, training and technical assistance for meeting the obligations under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. Andrea Meza, Costa Rica, reflected on Costa Rica’s challenges in implementing climate policy and the “added value” of the CBIT. Highlighting her country’s national transparency framework, she reported that the CBIT has helped generate a “more integrated and sophisticated system” by supporting data-driven decision making and facilitating efficient institutional arrangements.  Miriam Hinostroza, UNEP DTU Partnership, introduced the CBIT Global Coordination Platform, noting “very high ambition” to create a space where countries can share information, experiences and lessons learned on transparency and MRV. Among elements the Platform could include, she highlighted: spaces to share initiatives and for donors to upload information on support being provided; a virtual library and helpdesk; and a virtual meeting place.  Kirsten Orschulok, Germany, stressed that countries need “data, facts and figures” to decide which policies and adaptation and mitigation plans are appropriate, and to adapt these policies over time. Suggesting possibilities for “South-South-North” exchange, she stressed that her country can learn how to improve its reporting and transparency systems from developing country partners.  During the ensuing discussion, participants raised, inter alia: the mission of the CBIT regarding engagement of non-governmental actors in implementation of the transparency framework; challenges of countries that applied to the CBIT; the GEF Gender Equality Action Plan and mandated stakeholder engagement; and the role of South-South cooperation in knowledge-sharing platforms. L-R: Damiano Borgogno, UNDP; Dustin Schinn, GEF; and Suzanne Lekoyiet, UN Environment Damiano Borgogno, UNDP, emphasized MRV and enhanced transparency should not only be put in place to meet international requirements, but “first and foremost for national benefits.” Toby Hedger, UNFCCC Secretariat, noted that developing countries already face challenges to timely reporting, and said support needs to continue to address these gaps and challenges. Suzanne Lekoyiet, UN Environment, stressed that, while much has been achieved under the CBIT, “urgent action” is still needed. Highlighting Costa Rica's platform for consultation, Andrea Meza, Costa Rica, noted her country's role in encouraging non-state actors to participate in climate policymaking. Andrea Meza, Costa Rica; Kirsten Orschulok, Germany; Miriam Hinostroza, UNEP DTU Partnership; and Mariana Kasprzyk, Uruguay Contact: Damiano Borgogno | damiano.borgogno@undp.org More Information: https://www.thegef.org/topics/capacity-building-initiative-transparency-cbit Around the Venue