Relevant outcomes of CBD COP-7 Marjo Vierros Secretariat Convention on Biological Diversity ICRI CPC Meeting Okinawa, 3-4 July

The results of COP-7 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 9-20 February 2004) The CBD Work programme on marine and coastal biodiversity was updated. New material included: New decisions and guidance on marine and coastal protected areas Updated work plan on coral bleaching Recognition of the need to protect high seas biodiversity, including cold water corals/seamount ecosystems

ICRI at COP-7 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 9-20 February 2004) Rolph Payet chaired contact group on marine and coastal biodiversity Joint information document between ICRI and CBD Secretariat submitted to COP-7. This document contained draft resolutions on SIDS and cold water corals COP “took note with appreciation” of this information document ICRI partner activities reported on in CBD progress report on implementation of the programme of work on marine and coastal biodiversity

MPAs: the global goal The establishment and maintenance of MPAs that are effectively managed, ecologically based and contribute to a global network of MPAs, building upon national and regional systems, including range of levels of protection, where human activities are managed, particularly through national legislation, regional programmes and policies, traditional and cultural practices and international agreements, to maintain the structure and functioning of a full range of marine and coastal ecosystems, in order to provide benefits to both present and future generations

The national system 3 components: 1.Areas managed for sustainable use, which may allow extractive uses 2.Areas where extractive uses are excluded and other significant human pressures minimized 3.Sustainable management over the wider marine and coastal environment Balance between components 1 and 2 dependent on a country’s individual situation

Stakeholder participation “ Agrees that the full participation of indigenous and local communities and relevant stakeholders is important for achieving the global goal, and for establishment and maintenance of individual MPAs and national and regional networks…”

Networks One MPA will not be able to protect all biodiversity within an area: a network approach is essential Representative of all marine & coastal ecosystems (including unique & special areas) A knowledge gap still exists: Countries have requested further technical advice related to network design and ecological coherence of networks

Some research priorities Assessing the representativeness, connectivity and proportionality of the existing MPA system (national, regional, global) Developing guidance on network design Developing methods to estimate the percentage of non- extractive protection needed, in conjunction with national monitoring programmes, depending on size and dynamics of local populations Identification of the best indicators for management effectiveness at various scales within the overall system Developing effective methods for integrating traditional knowledge into establishment and management of MPAs Developing guidance on effective learning networks at national/international level

Coral bleaching work plan Coral bleaching work plan updated ICRI as main partner in implementing Ongoing activities of ICRI partners and others acknowledged New work plan more action-oriented Contains prioritized activities Contains following components: 1.Management actions and strategies to support reef resilience, rehabilitation and recovery 2.Information gathering 3.Capacity-building 4.Policy development/implementation 5.Financing

Coral bleaching work plan 1.Management actions and strategies to support reef resilience, rehabilitation and recovery Some high priority actions include: Identification of coral reef areas that exhibit resistance and/or resilience to raised sea temperatures (through, for example, coral reef monitoring programmes) Identification, development and testing of management regimes to enhance reef resilience, for example through highly protected MPAs Integrate bleaching resilience principles into MPA network design Reduce other localized stresses (water quality, overfishing, etc.)

Coral bleaching work plan 2. Information gathering Some high priority actions include: Implement baseline assessments and long-term monitoring to measure severity of bleaching and ID areas that exhibit resilience Compile information on socio-economic impacts of bleaching on communities Support the development of standardized training modules and manuals Strengthen dissemination of existing assessment and monitoring information on status of coral reefs and threats Develop education programmes addressing an ecosystem approach to coral reef management and the relation between coral reef health and resilience and human-induced stresses Support initiatives to build capacity among reef managers relevant to climate change and coral bleaching

Coral bleaching work plan 3. Capacity-building Some high priority actions include: Support activities aimed at building awareness and capacity relating to implementation of tools for responding to mass bleaching events Develop training opportunities for protected area managers, fishery managers and resource managers … Encourage a network of reef management agencies in developed and developing countries and encourage relevant exchange programmes between countries and/or regions involved in coral reef management with particular emphasis on coral bleaching Support ICRI and GCRMN activities that encourage and support multidisciplinary approaches to reef research, monitoring socioeconomics and management

Coral bleaching work plan 4. Policy development/implementation Some high priority actions include: Integrate in existing policies at regional and national levels priority issues identified by ICRI and ITMEMS Make use of regional seas programmes and regional agreements as vehicles to implement policies for coral reef management and protection Identify and institute additional and alternative measures for securing livelihoods of people who directly depend on coral reef services Develop pilot projects for transitioning dependent communities to alternative and sustainable livelihoods Establish no-fishing zones and limitations to fishing gear to protect breeding grounds and provide fish with refuges Enforce legislation prohibiting destructive fishing practices that further damage coral reefs …

Coral bleaching work plan 5. Financing Some high priority actions include: Identify financial and technical assistance for implementation of this work programme Identify financial and technical assistance mechanisms of national and private sources to assist communities impacted by coral bleaching

Cold water corals Specific actions relating to cold water corals … 1. Prevention of destructive practices: Calls upon the General Assembly and other relevant international and regional organizations to urgently take the necessary short- term, medium-term and long-term measures to eliminate/avoid destructive practices, consistent with international law, on a scientific basis, including application of precaution, for example, consideration of interim prohibition of destructive practices adversely impacting marine biological diversity associated with seamounts, hydrothermal vents, cold water corals and other vulnerable ecosystems and certain other underwater features …. 2. High seas MPAs: Agrees that there is an urgent need for international cooperation and action to improve conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in marine areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, including establishment of further MCPAs consistent with international law, based on scientific information, including areas such as seamounts, hydrothermal vents, cold water corals and other vulnerable ecosystems.

Cold water coral reefs As part of work programme on physical degradation and destruction of coral reefs Information gathering Policy development Identification and promotion of management practices to reduce and mitigate impacts

ICRI & CBD collaboration ICRI assistance in implementing coral bleaching work plan and other relevant COP decisions Reporting to COP and SBSTTA on ICRI and partner activities (including new priorities, lessons learned etc.) As part of regular progress report As a separate information document Dissemination of relevant ICRI and partner publications at CBD meetings ICRI assistance to CBD regarding coral reef protected area network design (ex. Case studies) Peer review of CBD targets on marine and coastal biodiversity

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