novembro, 28 2025

By Marina Corrêa, focal point for the Ocean agenda at WWF-Brazil

COP30 injected new momentum into the ocean–climate agenda by formally recognizing the ocean’s central role in the global response to the climate crisis. For the first time in UNFCCC history, the Leaders’ Summit highlighted how ocean-based solutions — from restoring and conserving coral reefs and mangroves to the sustainable management of coastal and marine areas — can help reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation, and bolster the resilience of coastal communities. The Special Envoy for the Ocean reinforced this message, advocating for full integration of ocean issues into the multilateral climate process. 

This political momentum aligned with new global initiatives, such as the Blue NDCs Challenge and its implementation task force, launched by Brazil and France, which will support countries in turning commitments into concrete action. At the same time, core elements of the Paris Agreement advanced during COP30: the Mutirão text included a reference to the role of the ocean; indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation were updated to reflect coastal and marine dimensions; and the Standing Committee on Finance confirmed that its next forum will be dedicated to ocean–climate finance. Progress was also made on mitigation, with greater recognition of the carbon potential of mangroves and the discussion of a pathway for the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels. An increasing number of countries also began integrating ocean-based solutions into their NDCs. 

COP30’s Action Agenda delivered similarly tangible outcomes. The launch of the Blue Package created a permanent coordination platform for governments, the private sector, science, and civil society — a true “blue mutirão.” Conservation and restoration efforts for coral reefs, mangroves, and salt marshes gained new traction; a monitoring panel was established to track global progress on ocean-related climate action; and the role of marine protected areas and locally led initiatives by Indigenous peoples and traditional communities was strengthened, reinforcing their importance for effective governance and the implementation of ocean-based climate solutions. 

Brazil played a decisive role throughout this process, leading the ocean–climate agenda by example. From the G20 presidency to COP30, the country helped bridge global climate ambition with sustainable ocean governance. Brazil’s accession to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and the BBNJ Agreement ratification further underscores its leadership and commitment to modern, science-based ocean governance. The Brazilian civil society also contributed significantly — notably through the launch of the Brazil Coral Coalition by WWF-Brazil and the Boticário Foundation Group, bringing together scientific institutions, organizations, and public engagement to protect the only reef system in the South Atlantic and through the COP Mar Coalition. These mobilizations reinforce Brazil’s commitment to integrating ocean-based solutions into its NDC and align with the collaborative spirit of the international Blue Mutirão, underscoring that implementation is only possible with broad, equitable social participation. 

The momentum built in Belém shows what is possible when political will, science, and society move in the same direction.  Although there have been significant gaps in the negotiated texts—and especially in terms of the meaningful participation of the people of the ocean - COP30 nonetheless demonstrated that embedding the ocean–climate agenda within the global climate architecture is both viable and urgent. As the world moves towards COP31, the path forward is to accelerate action, raise ambition, and acknowledge within UNFCCC that many of the most effective climate solutions lie within the system that covers 70% of our planet: the ocean. The decisions made now will shape not only the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and the countries that depend on them, but also the future of humanity — making this moment not just an opportunity, but a shared responsibility.