Ocean acidification is often described as the “other CO₂ problem”. While it receives far less public attention than sea-level rise, marine pollution, or biodiversity loss, it poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, fisheries, food security, coastal livelihoods, and ocean-dependent economies worldwide.

Over the past decade, scientific understanding of ocean acidification has advanced considerably. However, the integration of ocean acidification into governance frameworks, marine planning processes, climate strategies, and ocean policy remains uneven. As a result, many decision-makers remain insufficiently equipped to address the implications of acidification within existing management and governance structures.

As the international community seeks to strengthen ocean-climate action and advance sustainable ocean governance, ocean acidification presents both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge because of its complex and often invisible impacts, and an opportunity because effective responses require enhanced cooperation between scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society.

This webinar will explore how ocean acidification can be more effectively incorporated into ocean governance and policy responses at national, regional, and international levels. Drawing on experiences from scientific networks, policy initiatives, and governance practitioners, participants will examine how scientific evidence can support decision-making, how existing governance frameworks can respond to emerging challenges, and what practical steps are needed to move from awareness to action.

As part of its mission to provide timely learning opportunities and continuous professional development for its global IOI Alumni community and early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), the International Ocean Institute hosted its first Alumni CPD Webinar of 2026. Titled “From Commitment to Action: Marine Biodiversity and the BBNJ Agreement in Practice,” the webinar offered participants a unique opportunity to engage with the next phase of global ocean governance following the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement in January 2026.

Coinciding with this milestone, the 9th edition of the World Ocean Review (WOR), titled Marine Biodiversity – The Vital Foundation of Our Oceans, has been launched in English. Produced by the International Ocean Institute (IOI), the Cluster of Excellence “The Future Ocean,” and mare, WOR9 provides essential scientific and governance context for understanding the state and significance of marine biodiversity.

Moderated by Cosmin Chivu, Project Officer at IOI Headquarters, the webinar convened a distinguished panel of experts, each offering a complementary perspective on how the Agreement can be operationalised in practice, as well as the challenges and opportunities emerging in the lead-up to the first Conference of the Parties (CoP1).

Daniel Kachelriess, Cross-Cutting Coordinator at the High Seas Alliance, opened the session by providing a comprehensive overview of the outcomes of PrepCom3 and the evolving institutional architecture under the Agreement. He highlighted key developments related to the Clearing-House Mechanism, subsidiary bodies, and timelines for implementation, with a particular focus on marine genetic resources and the role of capacity building and environmental impact assessments in supporting effective governance.

Klaudija Cremers, Senior Research Fellow at IDDRI, followed by examining how States and coalitions can begin preparing for implementation between PrepCom3 and CoP1. Focusing on area-based management tools (ABMTs), she outlined practical steps for advancing early proposals, the importance of coordination and scientific input, and the role of emerging coalitions in shaping the first generation of high seas marine protected areas.

Catie Mitchell, Policy Analyst at the Global Ocean Forum, brought a practical, on-the-ground perspective through her work on the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. She highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity for cross-sectoral cooperation in areas beyond national jurisdiction, particularly in the Southeast Pacific and Pacific Islands, and emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and trust-building in translating global commitments into effective regional action.

Participants from across the IOI network and the broader ocean governance community engaged actively during the Q&A session, raising important questions on the implementation of environmental impact assessments, the role of science in informing decision-making, and the need to ensure equitable participation and capacity development across regions.

The webinar underscored that while the BBNJ Agreement provides a robust framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, its success will depend on coordinated efforts to translate commitments into action, supported by strong institutions, inclusive capacity development, and sustained international cooperation.