The Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) is a capacity-building programme, developed by the CBD in 2010, to provide support, advice, and guidance to countries in their efforts to achieve global biodiversity targets in marine and coastal areas. This programme facilitates dialogue and coordination between countries and organizations, it catalyzes partnerships, and builds on lessons learned. From the SOI Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies to the SOI Training of Trainers programme, the various SOI activities aim to achieve a balance between the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity, at global, regional, national, and local levels.

This side event aims to introduce and launch a new report “The Sustainable Ocean Initiative: 10 years of building capacity and catalyzing partnerships to achieve global ocean goals” which showcases the impacts and achievements of SOI in the last 10 years. The event will feature speakers who have been involved in SOI activities over the years, highlighting their experiences and success stories, as well as challenges and lessons learned.