Coral Reefs and recent global environmental and development agreements

Jerker TamelanderHead, Coral Reef Unit

UN Environment

ICRI GM31, Paris, France November 2016

Threats and Trends

GCRMN 2008: a fifth of the world’s coral reefs already lost

Reefs at Risk Revisited 2011: two thirds of coral reefs under immediate and direct threat from human activities

Global Biodiversity Outlook 2014: Aichi Target 10, reducing multiple pressures on coral reefs, is certain to be missed

The third global coral bleaching event, the longest ever recorded, has caused unprecedented bleaching and mortality in many areas

Outline

2030 Development Agenda and SDGsParis Agreement UNEA-2 resolution 12 … and a few others

© J Tamelander

17 Goals with 169 targets

Integrated and indivisible, Global in nature, Universally applicable

Governments decide how this is incorporated in national policies/strategies

Full implementation would address many root causes of reef degradation

SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources

1. reduce marine pollution

2. sustainably manage and protect ecosystems

3. minimize and address the impacts of OA

4. effectively regulate fishing

5. conserve 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas

6. eliminate perverse subsidies

7. increase economic benefits to SIDS and LDCs

a. scientific knowledge/capacity b. access to resources/markets

c. implement UNCLOS

Goal 1. end poverty1.5 build resilience and reduce vulnerability

Goal 2. food security 2.3 double agricultural productivity

Goal 5. gender equality 5.5 women’s participation in decision-making

Goal 6. water and sanitation 6.2 adequate sanitation6.3 reduce pollution, halve the proportion of untreated wastewater

Goal 12. sustainable consumption and production 12.1 implement the 10-YFP 12.2 natural resource management12.4 chemicals and wastes 12.5 reduce waste generation 12.6 sustainability reporting

Goal 13. climate change 13.1 resilience and adaptive capacity 13.2 integrate CC in policies, strategies13.3 education, awareness and capacity

Goal 15. terrestrial ecosystems15.1 conservation 15.2 sustainable forest management 15.9 ecosystem values in development, poverty reduction and accounts

High-level SDG14 conference 5-7 June 2017 in New York (UNGA/70/L.64)

Theme: Our oceans, our future: Partnering for the implementation of SDG14

Purpose: Strengthen implementation and partnerships; contribute to follow-up and review process of the 2030 Agenda

Outcome: Call for Action; SG report; Partnerships

Format: Plenary sessions and partnership dialogues

Prep: Preparatory meeting in February 2017 in New York, to define themes for the partnership dialogues and elements for the Call for Action

Advisory committee, with thematic informal preparatory working groups

Indicators

Top-level, universal SDG indicator framework agreed (others to be developed as needed)

Global SDG 14 indicators mainly pressure and process related, few ecosystem indicators

Tracking the effectiveness and sufficiency of actions towards SDGs in ecosystem state is critical

Coral reef distribution, vulnerability and dependence make them a potential indicator system that can contribute to targets under SDG14 and achievement of the 2030 agenda overall

GCRMN is highly relevant in this regard

“Member States encouraged to consider seeking formal anchoring of coral reef related indicators in the SDG indicator framework, trough the SDG14 Conference in 2017”

(Consultation on Implementation of EA/2/12, Manado, 2016)

SDG 14 indicator (top level) GCRMN potential relevance

14.2.1 Proportion of EEZ managed using ecosystem-based approaches

ecosystem variables that track or contribute to status; management effectiveness; resilience

14.3.1 Marine acidity measured at suite of representative sampling stations

ecosystem state or biophysical variables that show impacts of OA

14.4.1 Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels

reef fish abundance; variables that show damage from destructive fishing

14.5.1 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

variables that support prioritization of coral reef conservation measures

14.7.1 Sustainable fisheries as a percentage of GDP in SIDS, LDCs, and other countries

variables of ecosystem state and trend; impacts of marine tourism; SocMon

14.b.1 Progress in recognizing and protecting access rights for small-scale fisheries (legal/regulatory/policy/institutional)

SocMon?

Paris Agreement Enters into force 4 November 2016

keep to well below 2°C, pursue efforts to stay below 1.5°C

parties to prepare successive NDCs, highest possible ambition

IPCC to provide a special report on the impacts of 1.5°C

enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience

– what is a safe space for coral reefs and dependent people?

Climate model downscaling:

under business-as-usual annual severe bleaching is expected, on average, 2043

full implementation of the Paris Agreement gives only a decade more

even with ambitious mitigation most reefs will face repeated, severe bleaching in coming decades

many relative climate refugia are under high direct anthropogenic stress

MESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEMS – A LIFEBOAT FOR CORAL REEFS?2

A Centre Collaborating with UNEP

Steering CommitteeDominic Andradi-Brown, University of Oxford, UKRichard S. Appeldoorn, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAElaine Baker, GRID-Arendal at the University of Sydney, AustraliaThomas C.L. Bridge, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science, AustraliaPatrick L. Colin, Coral Reef Research Foundation, PalauPeter T. Harris, GRID-Arendal, NorwayKimberly A. Puglise, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USAJerker Tamelander, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Thailand

EditorsElaine Baker, GRID-Arendal at the University of Sydney, AustraliaKimberly A. Puglise, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USAPeter T. Harris, GRID-Arendal, Norway

CartographyKristina Thygesen, GRID-Arendal, Norway

ProductionGRID-Arendal

Authors (in alphabetical order) Dominic Andradi-Brown, University of Oxford, UKRichard S. Appeldoorn, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USA Elaine Baker, GRID-Arendal at the University of Sydney, AustraliaDavid Ballantine, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USA Ivonne Bejarano, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAThomas C.L. Bridge, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australia

Patrick L. Colin, Coral Reef Research Foundation, PalauGal Eyal, Tel Aviv University and The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, IsraelPeter T. Harris, GRID-Arendal, NorwayDaniel Holstein, University of the Virgin Islands, USARachel Jones, Zoological Society of London, UKSamuel E. Kahng, Hawai‘i Pacific University, USAJack Laverick, University of Oxford, UKYossi Loya, Tel Aviv University, IsraelXavier Pochon, Cawthron Institute and University of Auckland, New ZealandShirley A. Pomponi, NOAA Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute — Florida Atlantic University, USAKimberly A. Puglise, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USARichard L. Pyle, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, USAMarjorie L. Reaka, University of Maryland, College Park, USAJohn Reed, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute — Florida Atlantic University, USAJohn J. Rooney, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, USAHéctor Ruiz, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USANancy Sealover, University of Maryland, College Park, USARobert F. Semmler, University of Maryland, College Park, USANikolaos Schizas, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAWilford Schmidt, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAClark Sherman, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAFrederic Sinniger, University of the Ryukyus, JapanMarc Slattery, University of Mississippi, USAHeather L. Spalding, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, USATyler B. Smith, University of the Virgin Islands, USAShaina G. Villalobos, University of Maryland, College Park, USAErnesto Weil, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, USAElizabeth Wood, Marine Conservation Society, UK

CitationBaker, E.K., Puglise, K.A. and Harris, P.T. (Eds.). (2016). Mesophotic coral ecosystems — A lifeboat for coral reefs? The United Nations Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal, Nairobi and Arendal, 98 p.

ISBN: 978-82-7701-150-9

Cover photo: Bright blue ascidians, known as sea squirts, are found thriving at 50 metres (164 feet) among corals, greenish brown algae (Lobophora) and red, orange, and brown sponges off La Parguera, Puerto Rico (photo Héctor Ruiz).

In memory of Dr. John J. Rooney (1960–2016) and his dedication to exploring and understanding mesophotic coral ecosystems.

UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices

globally and in its own activities. This publication is printed on fully recycled paper, FSC

certified, post-consumer waste and chlorine- free. Inks are vegetable-based and coatings are water-

based. UNEP’s distribution policy aims to reduce itscarbon footprint.

Opportunities NDCs => argue for safe space for coral reefs and dependent people

NAPs => reduce reef dependence and reef use that undermines resilience GCF => consider and address coral reefs in climate finance projects

IPCC => nomination of coral reef scientists for report on 1.5°C

+ associated ecosystems: nature-based adaptation AND mitigation

The Paris Agreement – Assessment and Outlook

10

� Also every five years, a global stocktake compares collective efforts with the tempera-ture and global emission goal, in light of equity and science. Æ Article 14, 4.9; para 100-102 PD

� The PA provides that each new NDC shall be informed by the outcome of the preceding stocktake. Therefore the stocktakes were scheduled to give parties time to include the results in the preparation of their next NDC. The first stocktake will take place in 2023 but a “facilitative dialogue” will already take stock of efforts in 2018, which is likely to be prior to entry into force of the PA. Æ Article 14, 4.9

� Parties have to submit their NDC 9-12 months before the relevant CMA and the Secre-tariat then prepares a synthesis report of NDCs. This gives parties time to understand each others’ NDCs before the meeting. However, there is no obligation or process for follow-up and it remains to be seen whether parties would e.g. revise their NDCs in the light of reactions received. Æ para 25 PD.

There is no assessment of the ambition of individual NDCs. The system relies entirely on the national level determining and implementing ambitious efforts and the persuasive impact of publicity, consultations and the so far unspecified global stocktake.

Source: Authors’ own work

NDC Cycle2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2023 2025 …

NDC submission

Stocktakes Facilitative dialogue

1st global stocktake

Early 2020: NDCs (2025 -

2030/35) submission

Early 2025: NDCs (2030

-2035/40) submission

SecretariatSynthesis report of

NDCs

NDC preparation

NDC preparation

Synthesis report of

NDCs

INDC (2020-

2025/30) submission

Figure 2: Timeline for the NDC cycle

INDCsSubmission

Facilitative Dialogue

NDC Prep.Subm.2020

Synthesis Report

1st Global Stocktake

Synthesis Report

NDC Prep.Subm.2025

2nd UN Environment AssemblyResolution on sustainable coral reefs management (EA/2/12)

• coral reefs, cold water coral ecosystems, mangroves (and related ecosystems)

• integrated, ecosystem-based and comprehensive approaches

• adoption and implementation of national and regional action plans and measures

• partnerships with industry (tourism, fisheries, aquaculture)

• prioritize MPAs and other spatial and sectoral approaches to enhance resilience

• needs of reef dependent people; gender mainstreaming

Consultation meeting on implementation of the resolution 28-29 June 2016, Manado, Indonesia

Participants from Member States including SIDS in all reef regions; regional organizations

Discussions on how to turn aspirations into concrete and meaningful action and additional guidance to UN Environment and Member States on implementation

Side events on bleaching and marine litter

=> ‘advisory committee’ for regular engagement on implementation

=> recognized need to broaden the funding basis nationallyand support the work of UN Environment

Requested action by UN Environment relevant to draft ICRI Secretariat Action Plan

• analysis of global and regional policy instruments, with ICRI

• regional and global GCRMN reports and indicators, with ICRI

• raise awareness through public outreach campaigns, IYOR 2018, GEO

• science-to-policy studies (e.g. marine plastic litter, cold water coral)

• national and regional measures and action plans, and guidance on these in the context of the SDGs

Aichi Targets Target 10. By 2015, reduce anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs

and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by CC

Priority actions to achieve Target 10, adopted 2014 (CBD COP XII/23)a) Reducing the impacts of multiple stressorsb) Enhancing resilience through EBA c) Maintaining sustainable livelihoods and food security d) Increasing the capability to forecast and plane) Enhancing international and regional cooperation

And also…Target 6: sustainable, ecosystem-based fisheries management Target 8: pollution not detrimental to ecosystem function Target 11: 10% of coastal and marine areas conservedTarget 15: enhance ecosystem resilience and carbon stocks

Other Recent Global Agreements• Samoa: SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway adopted 2014,

paragraph 58e on coral reefs and implementation of ICRI FFA

• Addis Ababa: Action Agenda on Financing for Development adopted 2015, paragraph 17, 63 and 64 on commitment to protect ecosystems and climate

• Sendai: Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted 2015,encompasses ecosystem-based approaches

• Kigali: amendment of Montreal Protocol to limit HFCs adopted 2016, significant contribution to limiting temperature increase

Coral reefs and dependent people……need significant emission reduction, exceeding the Paris Agreement and

full implementation of SDGs to address root causes of reef degradation

… can be given more time to adapt through strategic reduction of direct anthropogenic stresses

… provide opportunities for blue economy development and achievement of SDGs

… constitute an indicator system for SDGs

… can with effective communication boost implementation of global mandates in general