The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), the Sustainable Development Goals and the Decade of Ocean Science make a universal call for nature-based climate action. Blue carbon experiences and initiatives (mangroves, wetlands and seagrasses), developed in different parts of the world have shown that by articulating actions with local actors, tangible conservation results can be achieved and thus strengthen socio-ecological resilience in the face of the global climate crisis, demonstrating progress in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDGs 2, 4, 5, 8, 13 and 17 and specific KMGBF 2030 targets, such as Target 1 (Reduce biodiversity loss), Target 2 (effective restoration of degraded ecosystems), Target 8 (reduce the impact of climate change on biodiversity and increase resilience), Target 11 (restore, maintain and enhance ecosystem functions and services) and Target 22 (local community participation and differential approach).

This side event aims to provide a basis for discussion on how blue carbon ecosystems, mainly mangroves and seagrasses, contribute to the achievement of the global goals of the KMGBF, SDGs, Decade of Restoration and Decade of Ocean Sciences, especially for climate action (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity conservation, generation of economic alternatives for the communities using these ecosystems, taking into account gender equity and sustainable development.

Proposed format: A dynamic panel discussion will be held according to thematic axes that will guide the discussion so that integrative conclusions can be reached.

1. Conservation of Marine Biodiversity Theme: Protection of critical habitats, strategies to identify and protect essential marine areas such as mangroves, seagrass beds and salt marshes. Reduction of human impacts and measures to minimise the negative effects of human activities on these ecosystems.
2. Theme Climate Change Mitigation: Carbon Capture and Storage - How blue carbon ecosystems capture and store more carbon than terrestrial forests, Ecosystem restoration and initiatives to restore and conserve these ecosystems as a nature-based solution to climate change mitigation.
3. Socio-economic benefits: from employment generation through the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems. As well as improving Quality of Life: How these ecosystems improve water quality, support sustainable livelihoods and provide coastal protection strengthening adaptation to climate change.
4. Policy and Governance Theme: the development of public policy, the creation of legal frameworks and policies that support the conservation and sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems and of course community participation and methods to include local communities in the decision making and management of these resources.