The brief highlights the need for a more integrated approach to addressing biodiversity and climate policies through National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Historically treated as separate processes, these strategies can be more effective when developed holistically. Ocean-based solutions serve as a crucial connector, helping align national biodiversity and climate goals. Three primary strategies for achieving integration include creating a unified long-term framework for biodiversity and climate conventions, fostering collaboration between the respective convention secretariats, and establishing a joint program of work to identify optimal solutions. Additionally, organizing a co-sponsored workshop between scientific bodies like the IPBES and IPCC could inform climate-smart and nature-positive strategies while addressing emerging governance concerns such as marine carbon dioxide removal.
The Ocean Breakthroughs initiative is another critical driver in accelerating solutions across five key sectors—marine conservation, aquatic food, offshore renewable energy, shipping, and coastal tourism. By establishing milestones for 2030, this initiative helps bridge biodiversity and climate objectives. Measures like deploying coastal and marine nature-based solutions, minimizing adverse impacts of mitigation strategies, and aligning financial and technical resources can strengthen ocean-based policies. Ensuring climate finance mechanisms fully integrate ocean initiatives, requesting technical support for implementation, and coordinating monitoring frameworks between biodiversity and climate conventions will enhance policy coherence. The upcoming overlap in NBSAP and NDC submissions in 2024 and 2025 presents a unique opportunity to unify efforts, ensuring ocean-based solutions serve as a foundational element in broader environmental governance frameworks.