New research has found that most of the Commonwealth’s coastal and island states have mainstreamed ocean-based actions into their national climate commitments. The Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned a study of its 49 member countries that border the sea (out of a total 56) to find out how ocean activity had been integrated in their Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs) […]
The Commonwealth Secretariat has announced the first call for proposals under the newly established Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator. New technical support and funding is being made available to governments to support projects that promote ocean protection and marine development, while tackling climate change. This includes small grants worth between £5000 and £50,000 […]
A new initiative launched in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, will support Commonwealth ocean states in cultivating and scaling-up projects that protect the marine environment while also tackling climate change. With 47 out of 54 Commonwealth countries bordering the sea – including 25 small island developing states or […]
Defra ‘The British Overseas Territories (‘OTs’) are globally significant in their ecological richness, containing over 90% of the UK’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Constitutional responsibility for decision making in many policy areas relevant to biodiversity and conservation lie with the OTs, which are highly dependent on the assets provided by their natural environment, terrestrial and marine […]
Commonwealth countries rally behind ocean action Momentum continues to build for the Commonwealth’s flagship initiative on ocean issues – the Commonwealth Blue Charter – as countries step up collective efforts to save the seas. A gathering hosted by the New Zealand High Commission at the Royal Academy of Arts in London on Monday, heard widespread […]
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey hosted a meeting of 30 High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries today in London. The meeting was the first time that representatives from the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance (CCOA) have met, as four more countries sign up to the UK and Vanuatu-led efforts to tackle ocean plastic. The Alliance, which was announced by […]
The UK has formally signed the Coral Reef Life Declaration, joining a global effort to bolster research and safeguard the world’s coral reefs from climate change, ocean acidification, human activity and rising sea temperatures. The UK’s intention to sign the Declaration was first announced in April ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with the UK […]
At their recent meeting Commonwealth leaders agreed on a bold, co-ordinated push to protect the ocean from the effects of climate change, pollution and over-fishing. Their landmark decision to adopt a Commonwealth Blue Charter will affect one third of the world’s national coastal waters, helping to sustain livelihoods and ecosystems globally. It follows overwhelming support […]