In response to the escalating impacts of climate change in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in collaboration with the Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Hub convened a training session on February 29th, 2024. The focus of this initiative was to strengthen efforts surrounding Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), recognizing their crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Blue Carbon Ecosystems, comprising ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal and salt marshes, seagrasses, and open ocean food webs, serve as potent carbon sinks. Despite their importance for climate change mitigation, challenges persist in integrating these ecosystems into NDCs due to factors such as data gaps, limited technical capacity, coordination issues among stakeholders, and financial constraints.
Iris Cordelia-Rotzoll, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub Project Manager, emphasized the significance of the training topic, stating, "The role coastal ecosystems play cannot be overestimated in finding solutions to the global climate change challenges. I am sure that the wonderful presenters today will bring you some insights into a lot of different aspects of the topic."
Cordelia-Rotzoll further highlighted the participatory approach of the training, stating, "In the selection of the topics for our trainings, we are guided by the feedback we receive from you, our Focal Points. Our support shall be useful for you. This is who we work for and this determines what training offers we put together aiming at bringing you some new ideas and insights combined with data that you would not find in the same way otherwise."
The training session aimed to enhance capacity by:
- Demonstrating the significance of BCEs at various levels, from local to global.
- Emphasizing the inclusion of BCEs in NDCs to amplify climate action.
- Identifying financing opportunities for BCE-related initiatives.
Delivered via a hybrid format, the training welcomed participants from across the Pacific Island Countries, including country focal points to the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and key stakeholders. Cordelia-Rotzoll expressed excitement about the innovative approach of the training, stating, "For this training more than before we go beyond institutional 'boundaries' and join forces with the different institutions working in the Pacific. We thus showcase different approaches, different thematic viewpoints and connect it with Climate Finance, another innovation in our training."
Reflecting on the expertise brought by the participating institutions, Cordelia-Rotzoll acknowledged, "Institutions are important, but it would be nothing without their experts that have come together here this morning to speak about the many, many years of experience they have been working hands-on in the topics related to Blue Carbon Ecosystems."
The training session represents a significant step towards bolstering climate resilience and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific Island Countries. With the combined efforts of GGGI, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, and the engaged participants, the region is better equipped to confront the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the preservation of invaluable ecosystems for generations to come.
