As we approach COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we, the undersigned organizations, call on your leadership to prioritize equity and justice in decision-making. We urge you to ensure that national targets supporting the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) reflect a commitment to inclusive ocean governance and the rights of all stakeholders. The decisions made at COP16 will shape the future of our ocean and the communities that depend on it.  To safeguard ocean health and meet global commitments for a sustainable and equitable future, we urge you to prioritize the critical issues outlined below:

1. Ensure Human rights-based approaches are adopted by parties in the implementation of the GBF through their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)

Governments must adopt human rights-based approaches in the implementation of the GBF through their NBSAPs. This includes ensuring that the indicators which track commitments to Human Rights are retained in the monitoring framework to hold governments accountable.

2. Support Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries for Biodiversity and Livelihoods (GBF Target 10, Target 22 &Target 23) 

Parties must implement policies that support small-scale fishers and fishworkers and safeguard their access to marine resources, contributing to  the achievement of Target 10 (sustainable management of fisheries) and Target 22 (ensuring participation and access to justice) and Target 23 (advancing gender equality). Additionally, the importance of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) should be recognized as a key tool for the implementation of the GBF targets.

3. Adopt and Implement the High Seas Treaty for Ocean Conservation (GBF Target 3)

Countries must prioritize swift ratification and effective implementation of the High Seas Treaty to ensure at least 30% of the high seas are protected by 2030, contributing to the 30×30 target (Target 3). While doing so, ensure that indigenous and traditional territories and rights are respected. 

4. Equitable Financing 

Countries must ensure that the financing for the implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans are equitably distributed and directly accessible for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other rights-holders.

5. Enforce a Global Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining (GBF Target 7 & Target 14)

Countries must sign up to a moratorium on deep-sea mining to prevent biodiversity loss and ecosystem damage until comprehensive scientific assessments ensure no harm to marine life, aligning with Target 7 (reducing pollution and ecosystem degradation) and Target 14 (mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors).