On the pivotal ninth day of COP28, nature took center stage as 21 countries threw their weight behind the Mangrove Breakthrough, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring and safeguarding 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030. This endorsement, led by Belgium, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Europe, signifies a critical step towards harnessing the power of mangroves as key players in climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
Amidst the intense discussions on Day 9 of COP28, nature took center stage with a significant breakthrough in mangrove restoration and protection. A coalition of 21 countries endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough, a groundbreaking project aimed at restoring and safeguarding 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030.
Mangroves, recognized as biodiversity hotspots, were underscored for their pivotal role as carbon sinks. These ecosystems not only enhance and maintain local water quality but also play a crucial role in reducing coastal erosion. Pepe Clarke, WWF Global Oceans Lead, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of mangroves, stating, “These critical ecosystems provide win-win-win solutions for climate, biodiversity, and people.”
The Mangrove Breakthrough is hailed as a powerful tool for delivering impactful, scalable solutions. Proper financing of the restoration, protection, and sustainable management of ocean ecosystems was highlighted as essential, unlocking nature-based solutions to address climate change.
In a move demonstrating global solidarity, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom officially endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough. Their commitment underscores the international recognition of the importance of preserving and restoring mangroves as a key strategy in the fight against climate change and for the benefit of both ecosystems and communities.
Delegates on Day 9 stressed the urgency of enhanced efforts in preserving and restoring ecosystems. Ambitious targets were set to protect and restore a significant percentage of the world’s natural habitats by 2030, with a particular emphasis on critical biodiversity hotspots. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities was acknowledged as crucial in achieving these targets, with discussions also focusing on financial mechanisms to support conservation initiatives in developing nations.
COP28’s discussions on sustainable land use delved into striking a balance between meeting resource demands and mitigating climate change impacts. Participants explored strategies to promote sustainable agriculture, protect forests, and reduce deforestation. Commitments were made to advance regenerative agriculture practices and implement policies for responsible land management. The importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes regarding land use emerged as a key aspect of achieving long-term sustainability.
A major highlight of Day 9 was the emphasis on oceans as a crucial component of the Earth’s climate system. Delegates discussed measures to combat ocean acidification, overfishing, and plastic pollution, recognizing the interconnectedness of ocean health and climate stability. Leaders committed to expanding marine protected areas and promoting sustainable fisheries management. Discussions also included funding mechanisms to assist vulnerable coastal communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
As Day 9 concluded, the COP28 discussions showcased a comprehensive and collaborative approach toward addressing the complex challenges of nature conservation, land use, and oceans, setting the stage for a more sustainable and resilient global future.
About National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC)
The National Carbon Monitoring Centre is a vehicle for reporting on carbon stocks and their changes as well as coordinating the national MRV processes for the Government of Tanzania. The goal of the Centre is to enable Tanzania to actively participate and benefit from possible future international carbon trading mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The core services of the Centre are:
- To manage, develop, and sustain operations of the national GHG inventory and REDD+ MRV systems and facilitate validation of results for the UNFCCC and International community in collaboration with VPO;
- To maximize the usefulness of the data generated and develop different programmes and projects with technical GHGs and REDD+ MRV components and define steps in MRV training, research, consultancies and dissemination
- To coordinate national GHG inventory and national forest inventories
- To harness available national capacity and support from regional and international expertise to operationalize the GHGs and REDD+ Inventory System; and
- To advise policies related to GHG emissions and mitigation actions.
For more information visit NCMC
