The CIL collaborated with several institutions ( International Coastal and Ocean Organization (dba Global Ocean Forum); Urban Coast Institute-Monmouth University; Nausicaa Centre National de la Mer, France and World Ocean Network) in convening a UNFCCC side event at COP30 (Bue Zone) on 19 Nov 2025, Belem, Brazil. The panel discussion on " Strengthening capacities to enable beneficial interplay among climate, nature, and human systems" explored the opportunities and challenges of innovative conservation and sustainable use efforts that:
- Address climate change and biodiversity loss through enhanced capacity building and harmonized governance frameworks; and
- Strengthen the contribution of ocean ecosystems to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Panelists shared valuable insights derived from recent and ongoing innovative efforts that aim to strengthen the contribution of ocean ecosystems to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Moderated by Matt Frost, Head, International Office, Phymouth Marine Laboratory, the panelists include included H.E. Ambassador Viliami Va'inga Tone, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations; H.E. Ambassador Carmen Azurin, Director of Environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru; Katherine Arroyo Arce, Executive Director, MarViva Foundation; Dr. Alexander Turra, Professor, Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo, Brazil; Clare Shakya, Global Managing Director of Climate, The Nature Conservancy.
