Coastal And Marine Ecosystems As Nature-Based Solutions In New Or Updated Nationally Determined Contributions
Ocean & Climate Platform, Conservation International, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Rare, The Nature Conservancy, Wetlands International, World Wide Fund (WWF)
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Abstract: This analysis investigates the incorporation of coastal and marine ecosystems as nature-based solutions (NbS) in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted between 2019 and 2023. Reviewing 148 submissions, it finds that 97 countries reference marine NbS?61 addressing both mitigation and adaptation, and 35 focused solely on adaptation. Compared to first-round NDCs, there is a measurable increase in ocean-inclusive ambition. Commitments include blue carbon, mangrove restoration, and spatial planning, with some countries adding quantifiable goals like hectares restored. The report emphasizes enabling conditions: finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer. Kenya is listed among the nations addressing marine NbS on both fronts. The document also supports the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement and offers strategic recommendations for policy coherence and marine ecosystem integration.