Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

The Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) was established on the margins of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10), through the leadership of Japan, the COP 10 President, and in collaboration with various partners who were willing to provide the necessary expertise, and technical and financial resources. The SOI aims to provide a global platform to build partnerships and enhance capacity to conserve and sustainably use marine and coastal biodiversity in a holistic manner. 

Over the course of a decade, the JBF has supported several regional capacity-building workshops on SOI. JBF support to SOI has enabled developing country Parties to enhance cross-sectoral approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, focusing on bridging gaps between environment and fisheries sectors. It has also facilitated the creation of the SOI Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies, which is the first process of its kind bringing these actors together to scale up regional ocean governance towards global goals and targets.

The JBF has also supported the identification of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). EBSAs are special areas in the ocean that support the healthy functioning of oceans and the many services they provide. JBF support facilitated the description and mapping of EBSAs in developing regions around the world and, in turn, improved their capacities to plan and manage ocean areas using this information. 

Tools and guidance produced through this programme

Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): Scientific collaboration among dedicated experts to better understand marine biodiversity and support country efforts to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets
The Sustainable Ocean Initiative: 10 years of building capacity and catalyzing partnerships to achieve global ocean goals
Special Places in the Ocean: A Decade of Describing Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)
Integrated Coastal Management for the Achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Practical Guidance for Implementation Based on Experience and Lessons Learned from Coastal and Ocean Governance in the Seas of East Asia
Busan Outcome: Outcome of the 3rd Meeting of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies
Seoul Outcome +2: The 2nd Meeting of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies on Accelerating Progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Sustainable Development Goals
Identifying Specific Elements for Integrating the Traditional, Scientific, Technical and Technological Knowledge of Indigenous and Local Communities, and Social and Cultural Criteria and Other Aspects for the Application of Scientific Criteria for Identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) As Well As the Establishment and Management of Marine Protected Areas
Training Manual on Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge into the Description and Identification of EBSAs
Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) Special places in the world’s oceans: Reports on areas described as meeting the EBSA criteria at the CBD: Western South Pacific Region Wider Caribbean and Western Mid-Atlantic Region Southern Indian Ocean North Pacific Eastern Tropical and Temperate Pacific Ocean South-Eastern Atlantic Ocean
Expert Interview Series on Aichi Biodiversity Target 11

For further information, please visit the Marine and Coastal Biodiversity programme homepage.