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CBF Champions Coral Conservation at COP16’s #ForCoral Pavilion

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The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) was proud to support the #ForCoral Pavilion, an initiative led by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 – November 1, 2024. The Pavilion served as a global hub for dialogue, collaboration, and action aimed at protecting the world’s coral reefs, which are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices.

As a key financial partner, CBF played a central role in advancing regional discussions on the 30×30 conservation target—a global commitment to protect 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030. The CBF’s contributions to the Pavilion underscored the importance of sustainable financing for marine conservation, particularly in the Caribbean region, where coral reefs are vital for biodiversity, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of millions.

CBF’s Key Contributions to the #ForCoral Pavilion

1. Sustainable Financing for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

CBF provides long-term financial support for Caribbean MPAs through its Endowment Fund, ensuring that conservation initiatives receive continuous funding. The National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs), supported by CBF, channel resources into protecting coral ecosystems, aligning with the Coral Reef Breakthrough’s goal of securing $12 billion for reef conservation by 2030.

2. Regional Collaboration for the 30×30 Goal

CBF co-hosted “Actioning the Blue: A Caribbean 30×30 Vision for the Ocean”, a high-level session convening policymakers, conservation leaders, and financial experts. The event emphasized the need for political commitment and innovative funding mechanisms to accelerate marine conservation in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The CBF’s second side event Boosting Coral Health: Caribbean Strategies for Climate Resilience focused on the vital role Caribbean coral reefs play in climate adaptation. With unprecedented sea temperatures in 2023-2024 having led to devastating coral bleaching, there is an urgent need for identifying and propagating thermally resilient coral genotypes for restoration efforts. Four practitioners shared their experiences in restoring resilient corals: Valeria Pizarro (Perry Institute for Marine Science), Ancilleno Davis (University of the Bahamas). Kendon James (Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation), and Steven Canty (Smithsonian Institution). Two panelists deliberated on how building robust networks is essential for effective coral reef management: Fabian Kyne (Caribbean Biodiversity Fund) and Thomas Dallison (International Coral Reef Initiative). The CBF’s Caribbean Coral Health Forum was launched at the event and serves as a key platform for exchanging knowledge on coral health matters and collaborative efforts.

3. Technical Expertise and Capacity Building

Through its Conservation Finance and Climate Change programs, CBF supports governments and stakeholders in building resilience in marine ecosystems. This includes:

  • Training in biodiversity conservation planning
  • Policy support for effective MPA governance
  • Development of monitoring frameworks to track 30×30 progress

4. Advancing Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience

As coral reefs continue to face severe bleaching events, CBF champions nature-based solutions (NbS) to protect and restore marine ecosystems. At COP16, discussions at the #ForCoral Pavilion highlighted the urgent need for scaling blue finance, including coral reef insurance, blended finance models, and impact investments to ensure the long-term sustainability of reef ecosystems.

A Global Call to Action

The #ForCoral Pavilion at COP16 reached over 1,000 attendees from 44 countries, fostering commitments to scale up financing, strengthen conservation frameworks, and enhance global accountability for coral reef protection. The Pavilion also amplified ICRI’s six key asks for coral reefs, urging governments and stakeholders to:

  1. Strengthen management frameworks
  2. Implement effective restoration strategies
  3. Tackle pollution and destructive activities
  4. Expand funding for coral conservation
  5. Build capacity through knowledge-sharing
  6. Establish robust monitoring systems

CBF remains committed to mobilizing sustainable funding, fostering regional collaboration, and driving impactful conservation for coral reefs and marine biodiversity in the Caribbean and beyond.

Read the full summary of the #ForCoral Pavilion.

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