In a significant move during COP29, UK Nature Minister Mary Creagh announced funding for 20 projects aimed at enhancing ocean resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. These initiatives, part of the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme, are designed to foster lasting improvements in marine environments globally, impacting coastal communities in 13 countries including Bangladesh and Mozambique.
Creagh emphasized the urgency of addressing the 'triple threat' of global warming, pollution, and acidification that endangers marine ecosystems. With over 3 billion people relying on the ocean for their livelihoods, the importance of these projects cannot be overstated.
Ruth Davis, the UK’s first Special Representative for Nature, joined Creagh at COP29 to advocate for integrating nature into climate discussions. The funding aims to drive recovery in marine ecosystems and alleviate poverty in vulnerable coastal areas, reinforcing the interconnectedness of global economies and ecosystems.
This announcement follows the UN Biodiversity COP16 conference, where the UK committed to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. The collaborative efforts at COP29 highlight a global commitment to safeguarding our oceans for future generations.