Reflections on COP 28

COP 28 did reach an agreement – which seemed unlikely just 2-3 days ago! Is it strong enough to push the urgent changes needed to restrict global heating to the 1.5oC scientists tell us is necessary?

That remains to be seen.

But at least a stronger link between climate change and biodiversity is finally being acknowledged. We hope to see increased efforts to conserve ecosystems that are critical for the well-being of coastal communities – not to mention national food security, coastal zone protection, jobs in tourism – all these things we take more or less for granted.

Thanks, coral reefs…

A Review of 2023

All of which provides a nice backdrop for a quick round-off of 2023 and a peek at what might await us in 2024.

2023 has been a very interesting year for RCM. On Tioman, our amazing Tioman Marine Conservation Group continues to protect reefs around the island. Eighty villagers have established teams in all seven villages and are conducting regular conservation programmes.

TMCG members helping with the installation of a mooring buoy

Any review of 2023 has to include mention of the successful campaign to oppose the development of a new airport on Tioman, thanks to support from many quarters! And that has created an opportunity to start a conversation about what sort of tourism we want, what is sustainable and what is appropriate for the local situation.

This is a topic we come back to time and time again.

Tioman Islander’s Position on Tourism

Tioman islanders do support tourism – but they also express strong views that enough is enough, and they don’t want to see more – the airport would potentially have increased visitor numbers four-fold!!! It’s a conversation we are having more and more in other areas, where local communities are starting to understand the negative side of ever-growing visitor numbers.

Perhaps it’s time for a review of tourism strategy in Malaysia?

We have developed stronger programmes on Redang island, in Mersing and in the Semporna islands. In each location, we work with local communities to address marine conservation issues. In Redang, we are replicating the success of the Tioman Marine Conservation Group, and there is already a lot of interest from local villagers.

In Semporna, we are working on a number of islands, helping local communities look at waste management issues and marine resource conservation. We are also working with the State government on a large coral reef rehabilitation trial, and preparing management plans for 12 islands that could pave the way for better protection of marine resources in the area.

Coral maintenance of 250 reef stars that has been deployed in Tun Sakaran Marine Park

So, our programmes go from strength to strength, and the team continues to do an amazing job!

But what awaits us in 2024?

Unfortunately, we are likely to start the year on a negative note. All the signs are that we will have a significant bleaching event early in 2024.

The recent switch in the El Nino/La Nina weather patterns in the Pacific is likely to cause increased water temperatures in Malaysian waters, which could lead to widespread coral bleaching. Even now, our colleagues in Sabah are reporting warmer water than usual. That is something to watch out for early in the New Year.

All of which makes it even more important that we continue to implement projects that protect reefs and build resilience.

The Global Biodiversity Framework Targets

The Global Biodiversity Framework agreed at COP 15 (no, the other one!!) in Montreal last December provides us with a great roadmap, and we are focusing on several targets:

Target 3 – the 30x30 target, which talks about increasing the area of marine resources under management…and the second bit everyone forgets about – improving the management of existing MPAs.

(On a side note, I am working with colleagues in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines…and during a conversation this week, we came to the conclusion that each country faces the same challenges with its MPAs – lack of funding, lack of management capacity and insufficient participation by local communities. (It’s nice to know we are not alone!)

Target 7 – reducing pollution to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity; specific emphasis on sewage pollution in coastal areas.

Target 8 – minimising the impact of climate change on biodiversity and increasing resilience.

Target 19 – increase funding for biodiversity conservation, including blended finance and private sector funding.

Target 22 – ensure representation by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in decisions relating to protected areas.

We will be using these targets as a guideline to both improve our existing programmes and to develop new programmes.

I am particularly excited by the opportunities that are emerging from new biodiversity financing schemes, including biodiversity and nature credit initiatives. We have been following these closely this year, and will continue to do so next year. If successful, these initiatives could unlock long-term funding for our programmes, and I hope to make substantial progress in this area during 2024 – watch this space!

So that’s it from us in 2023. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and see you back here in January 2024!