Ocean & Coasts

A healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems are vitally important for humans and the environment. The ocean regulates the climate, absorbs much of the carbon dioxide emitted from human activity, and provides fish, the main source of protein for over three billion people. The ecosystem goods and services the ocean provides are estimated to be worth USD 12 trillion. The biological diversity of ocean and coastal regions also provides important services including food security, feed for livestock, raw materials for medicines, building materials from coral rock and sand, and natural defenses against coastal erosion and flooding. Millions of people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their food security, income, and socio-cultural and economic development. Human activities put pressure on coastal and marine ecosystems, including through climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Ninety percent of the world's fisheries are either fully or over-exploited. Eight million tons of plastics enter the sea each year and contaminate a quarter of all seafood. Eighty percent of wastewater is discharged without treatment, damaging human health and biodiversity.

Events and Articles

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Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2026

Participants welcomed growing recognition of the role of the Ocean in climate ambition, and several expressed optimism that momentum arising from the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue may show the way to tangible action and commitments at COP 31.
Event 10 June 2026 - 11 June 2026

3rd Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement and the Convening of the 1st Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement

Delegates met to prepare a set of draft decisions and documents to pave the way for the smooth operationalization of the Agreement. While they reached agreement on many issues, there were disagreements on the rules of procedure, the subsidiary bodies, and the financial rules and regulations.
Event 23 March 2026 - 2 April 2026

24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP 24)

A sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive Mediterranean blue economy was the common vision identified in Cairo. Celebrating 50 years of MAP and the Convention, the meeting adopted a new Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development and the Cairo Ministerial Declaration, which emphasizes the value of shared commitment and collaboration.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 2 December 2025 - 5 December 2025

6th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Delegates from Asia Pacific showed “strong convergence” across some key environmental issues they intend to raise in December at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly—the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
Event 26 August 2025 - 29 August 2025