Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) Director Tony MacDonald will moderate a COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion closing event on Dec. 12 discussing collaborative and cooperative approaches that are being used to progress the ocean in the climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development agendas. The virtual panel will feature 14 speakers from around the world will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. ET.
The event caps a series of live events organized by the Global Ocean Forum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory which focus on the theme “Integrating Ocean and Climate Action.” It underscores the opportunity provided by the adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty (also known as the United Nations High Seas Treaty) in June and its signing by over 80 countries in September to explore the mitigation and adaptation potential of the vast high seas, along with its ecosystems and resources. This potential will need to be explored within the context of a wide array of international bodies with their respective governance arrangements that need to be harmonized.
The event will include high-level interventions, personal experiences and messages across the age spectrum and give examples of collaborative undertakings at various levels that may be applicable to areas beyond national jurisdiction as well as discussing next steps as countries begin to ratify and implement the BBNJ agreement. The session will conclude in a review of the role and accomplishment of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion in engaging and reaching out to those not able to attend the United Nations COP28 climate summit in Dubai in person, democratizing the ocean at COP28, and promoting unity and inclusivity.
The closing panel and other virtual events being facilitated through the COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion are free but require registration. For speaker listings and further details on this event, visit the Virtual Ocean Pavilion Agenda page and click the Dec. 12 tab.
MacDonald is in Dubai this month participating in COP28, where the UCI is designated as an official observer. Keep an eye on the UCI blog for dispatches from MacDonald detailing the proceedings.