COP16: Protecting Arctic marine biodiversity through ArcNet

By WWF Global Arctic Programme

From 21 October to 1 November, leaders from across the globe are gathering in Cali, Colombia for COP16 — the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This isn’t just another meeting. It’s a critical moment to assess how far countries have come in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a pivotal plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

With October 27 designated as Ocean Day at COP16, the spotlight is on marine biodiversity and the urgent need to safeguard our oceans. The WWF Global Arctic Programme is bringing attention to the Arctic — a region at the frontlines of climate change and biodiversity collapse.

The Arctic Ocean ecosystems are not only vital for the animals and people living there, they also play a critical role in regulating our global climate. Yet, they face unprecedented threats, with the Arctic warming four times faster than the rest of the planet.

Arctic marine biodiversity at a tipping point

The Arctic Ocean is home to iconic wildlife, such as polar bears and seals, but it also supports the plankton and fish that sustain entire food chains. However, this biodiversity is under severe threat. Climate change, coupled with human activities like shipping and oil and gas exploration, is driving the rapid melting of sea ice and destroying critical habitats. We are fast approaching a tipping point — one where these losses will be irreversible.

The consequences of inaction are catastrophic. The melting of the Greenland ice sheet and thawing permafrost not only spell disaster for Arctic species but could also trigger rising sea levels and release even more greenhouse gases, accelerating global climate impacts.

For Arctic marine species, these changes mean habitat loss, crumbling food chains, and a drastically altered environment that threatens their survival.

Governments must act now

Given the magnitude of these challenges, the urgency for bold action at COP16 cannot be overstated. The next five years will be crucial in preventing irreversible damage to Arctic ecosystems. To protect biodiversity and meet the GBF’s targets, countries must not only strengthen their commitments but also focus on implementing effective, science-based solutions.

ArcNet: A blueprint for marine conservation in the Arctic

One of these solutions is ArcNet — a scientifically developed network of priority areas for marine conservation across the Arctic Ocean.

Developed by WWF’s Global Arctic Programme, ArcNet is a blueprint for safeguarding the Arctic’s unique biodiversity.

It identifies the most critical areas needing protection, considering both environmental and human pressures. ArcNet is a key tool to support the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), which are essential for meeting the GBF’s targets. By establishing marine protected areas, countries can protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030 — a cornerstone of the GBF’s ambitious goals.

The role of ArcNet in meeting biodiversity goals

ArcNet isn’t just about the Arctic. It plays a pivotal role in achieving the broader Global Biodiversity Framework goals. Protecting the Arctic’s marine ecosystems means preserving a crucial regulator of our planet’s climate. The Arctic’s health has far-reaching implications — its protection helps mitigate global climate change and ensure biodiversity thrives beyond the region.

In the lead-up to COP16’s Oceans Day on October 27, it is essential to emphasize the importance of protecting marine biodiversity in the Arctic. ArcNet’s holistic, science-driven approach offers a model for conservation efforts that can be scaled and adapted to other regions. As governments present their progress on NBSAPs and commit to new action, we call on them to recognize the importance of protecting Arctic marine ecosystems.

A call to action

“COP15 was a big deal because it gave us the Global Biodiversity Framework with the mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030,” said Bernadette Fischler Hooper, Head of Advocacy at WWF-UK. “COP16 is also a big deal because it’s all about implementation, implementation, implementation. So the purpose of this COP is to build confidence and trust between countries that implementation can and will happen.”

At COP16, we have the opportunity to turn commitments into action, ensuring that the Arctic Ocean is protected for future generations.

The urgency to act is clear. Protecting marine biodiversity is not just about conserving species and habitats — it’s about safeguarding the health of our planet. With ArcNet providing a pathway for Arctic conservation, countries have the tools to take meaningful action toward the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

READ MORE:

COP16: How the world plans to halt and reverse biodiversity loss (and how we plan to ensure they do) 

Explaining the 73 per cent decline in global wildlife populations

How WWF is helping to ensure the Global Biodiversity Framework’s success