Climate change adaptation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is a matter of survival. SIDS collectively contribute less than 1 percent towards global greenhouse gas emissions, yet their communities are some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Blue Guardians partnership for SIDS is one of the last best hopes to save the oceans and islands from the stresses brought about by climate change.
Blue Guardians is a smart partnership between SIDS governments, private sector, civil society and intergovernmental bodies designed to make the best possible use of scientific, technical and human resources to contribute to the climate change priorities of island nations. It responds to the UN Oceans Conference call for Partnering for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, as well as the need to Increas[e] the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience as stated in the UNFCCC Paris Agreement.
The Blue Guardians Program will work with SIDS across three inter-related activity areas to directly increase climate resilience and contribute to their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
1. Nature-based Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Projects
2. Information and Data Infrastructure for Building Climate Resilience and Addressing NDCs
3. SIDS Regional Community of Exchange
The Blue Guardians program will be implemented through both regionally targeted activities for SIDS across the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean (AIMS) regions, as well as through national activities piloted in six countries. It will focus on both capacity enhancement and on-the-ground actions through six National Climate Resilience Centers in these countries.
The Blue Guardians Program is designed to build on and complement existing or planned climate adaptation and mitigation programs within each SIDS country and regionally with SIDS DOCK and partner organizations. In its planning, implementation, and execution the program will incorporate a gender sensitive approach, as well as an ecosystems approach in all its activities. The program will also leverage existing efforts by regional and national mapping and statistical organizations to provide accurate, timely, authoritative information to support decision and policy-making. Supported work for each of the six SIDS countries will be designed as a replicable model that can be adapted for other SIDS throughout the Caribbean, Pacific and AIMS ocean regions.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
- Integrated Coastal Management
- Marine Spatial Planning
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Type of commitment
- Economic benefits from sustainable fisheries
- Economic benefits from sustainable tourism
- Economic benefits from marine renewable energy
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Research capacity development
- Data access and sharing
- Training and professional development
- Scientific cooperation
- Actions that support SIDS and LDCs
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want
Type of commitment
- Activities to develop the capacity of States towards broader participation in and effective implementation of UNCLOS and its implementing Agreements
- Strengthening ocean governance, for example through the development of a national ocean policy or regional ocean policy
- Development of necessary infrastructure and/or enforcement capabilities to comply with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS and as complemented by other ocean-related instruments
December 22
