Science for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in the Atlantic Ocean region: An iAtlantic perspective

Summary:

• Ocean science and knowledge plays an essential role informing the numerous and complex mechanisms established to govern and manage the Atlantic Ocean.
• Conservation and sustainable use efforts for the Atlantic Ocean region, and beyond, must consider highly interconnected and complex ecosystems, facing multiple and cumulative threats.
• With four overarching goals and 23 specific targets, the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) acts as a global catalyst for collaborative ocean action to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• The iAtlantic project is a generator of science, data, and knowledge, as well as a critical provider of capacity development. Its results are directly relevant for marine elements of the GBF targets, especially those focused on ecosystem restoration, protected areas, climate change impacts and fisheries.
• Opportunities exist to enhance ocean science for the Atlantic Ocean region and support progress towards the GBF targets and overarching goals.
• This policy brief (part of iAtlantic Deliverable 6.4) provides a snapshot of the GBF, the role of marine science in its implementation, and examples of new knowledge that iAtlantic can offer to support achievement of its targets.