Adaptation to a Rapidly Changing Ocean: Opportunities for Timely, Effective and Equitable Solutions at the Local & Regional Scale

There is an urgent need for tools in support of adapting to the impacts of a rapidly changing ocean as a consequence of climate change. It is important that technical and scientific solutions are able to be applied in appropriate timeframes to meet this urgency and also that they are appropriate for contexts where resources are limited in terms of finance and / or infrastructure (e.g. Developing and Least Developed Countries, many of whom are Commonwealth Partners). 

It is therefore imperative to prioritise the development and mobilisation of appropriate tools that can be rolled out quickly and efficiently at a global scale in a way that promotes equitability and inclusivity. 

An expert panel including high-level government representatives, the Commonwealth Secretariat, research and conservation as well as finance and investment sectors, will identify the requirements, opportunities and possible barriers for implementing equitable and accessible ocean adaption solutions, specifically for countries with minimal financial resource and high levels of marine biodiversity.