Healthy oceans are instrumental in regulating the climate system and are integral to achieving the SDGs and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. They
also help safeguard coastal cities, communities and businesses from
adverse impacts of a changing climate. However, the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special report on Oceans and Cryosphere (SROCC) warns
that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), coastal megacities and
communities are on the frontline of increasing climate impacts.
Ocean and
marine ecosystems provide a space for action for governments,
communities and stakeholders living with increasing risks in the next
decades. A number of countries have communicated their intentions
through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to increase
adaptation efforts in ocean ecosystems, and to safeguard oceans to
facilitate sustainable development. Knowledge gaps in adapting to the
impacts of climate change in coastal areas can pose barriers to
countries to take necessary adaptation action. Nature-based solutions in
the oceans and coastal areas are a vital part of strategies to
strengthen livelihoods, ensure food security, and protect lives.
Closing knowledge gaps through partnership with the NWP expert group on oceans
The Nairobi Work Programme (NWP), UNFCCC knowledge-to-action hub on adaptation and resilience was mandated SBSTA 48 and SBSTA 50
to focus on oceans, coastal areas and ecosystems as one of the priority
areas. The work provides an opportunity to link with and build on
existing initiatives and promoting coherence to ensure effective
outcomes for the ocean-climate nexus, boosting exchange of knowledge,
experience and best practices.
The NWP Expert Group on Oceans, established in 2019, aims to strengthen action
on ocean and climate adaptation under the UNFCCC process. Building on
the momentum to-date. The expert group can help address key
ocean-climate gaps through collaboration among expert group members, and
with the UNFCCC constituted bodies, other thematic expert groups of the
NWP and relevant communities of practice. It consist
of around 23 representatives from renowned organizations and
institutes, including the IPCC, United Nations agencies, networks and
other relevant international organizations and institutes.
The knowledge-to action methodology
The NWP uses a
knowledge-to-action methodology (see figure below) that guides knowledge
co-development through partnerships. This collaborative approach responds to
the adaptation needs of Parties, with an emphasis on developing countries, and
supports the formulation of national adaptation plans and relevant mandates of
UNFCCC constituted bodies. The approach has been refined over the years
incorporating lessons learned.