The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) was honored to participate in two major United Nations conferences in late 2024—COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, and COP16, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At both events, the Foundation’s President, HRH Princess Hala bint Khaled bin Sultan, emphasized the critical connections between land, ocean, and people. She also shared the Foundation’s efforts to build climate resilience, protect marine ecosystems, and support coastal communities worldwide.
COP29: UN Climate Change Conference
At COP29, HRH Princess Hala represented the Living Oceans Foundation on a panel hosted by AEON Collective titled “Empowering the Vulnerable: Justice in the Climate Crisis.” The session brought together global experts and stakeholders to explore equitable solutions to the climate crisis, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities.
Princess Hala highlighted the Living Oceans Foundation’s approach to enhancing climate resilience through community-driven conservation and international collaboration. She emphasized the role of natural ecosystems—particularly mangroves and coral reefs—in protecting vulnerable coastal communities from the impacts of climate change. Princess Hala shared, “Protecting these ecosystems can provide affordable, effective, and sustainable climate resilience for coastal urban communities, including many marginalized neighborhoods that often lack resources for large-scale infrastructure projects.”
COP16: UN Convention to Combat Desertification
At COP16, the international community came together to address the urgent global crises of land degradation, drought, and desertification. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation worked with closely with our partners at AEON Collective to host events and impactful discussions at COP16, bringing together experts to address critical issues like land degradation and its effects on coastal marine ecosystems. Together, we participated in the following events at COP16 in an effort to raise awareness and inspire collaborative action to protect these vital ecosystems and support sustainable solutions for communities around the world.
Planetary Action Network
Princess Hala was invited as a distinguished speaker at AEON’s session on the Planetary Action Network, where she discussed the Foundation’s efforts to enhance climate resilience through community-driven conservation and international collaboration. She emphasized the vital role of mangroves and coral reefs in protecting vulnerable communities from climate impacts and showcased innovative partnerships that are advancing conservation solutions. In her speech, Princess Hala underscored the importance of co-designing solutions with local communities to ensure their long-term success and sustainability. She highlighted the Foundation’s initiatives that combine scientific research with community engagement, creating a model for effective conservation that addresses both environmental and social challenges.
Panel Discussion: Connecting Seas, Land, and People for Planetary Repair
In a session co-hosted by AEON Collective, the Living Oceans Foundation, and TBA21, Princess Hala spoke about the Foundation’s Jamaican Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program and shared how the program educates students on the importance of mangroves while fostering community involvement in restoration efforts. The panel explored the interconnectedness of the ocean, land, and desert ecosystems, emphasizing their critical role in mitigating climate change, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods.
Film Screening: The Hidden Costs of Land Degradation on Ocean Ecosystems
The Living Oceans Foundation also presented a film screening that explored how land degradation impacts vital coastal ecosystems—and the people who depend upon them—through the lenses of two powerful films:
- Inside the Mangrove Forest — A short film illustrating the importance of mangrove forests for coastal protection, biodiversity, and local communities.
- An Ocean Mystery: The Missing Catch — A documentary uncovering the hidden impacts of overfishing on ocean ecosystems and food security.
The films were introduced by KSLOF’s newest board member, Kholoud Aldosari, who discussed how they connect to land degradation, food security, and our deep-rooted relationship with the sea.
Launch of Arabic Version of Reefs at Risk Activity & Coloring Book
A major milestone at COP16 was the launch of the Arabic version of our Reefs at Risk Activity & Coloring Book. This book is the first in our Reefs at Risk series and focuses on coral bleaching. It takes students on an engaging journey through the science of coral bleaching, using thought-provoking exercises and coloring pages. Designed to enhance ocean literacy, the book helps young readers understand the threats to coral reefs, the causes of coral bleaching, and how they can make a positive impact. Previously available in English, Spanish, and French, this new Arabic version expands the Foundation’s reach, helping to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards in the Arab-speaking world. Digital download stations at COP16 provided attendees with information about the book as well as the opportunity to download a free copy.
Art Exhibit Featuring Work from the Science Without Borders® Challenge
COP16 attendees experienced the beauty and importance of mangrove ecosystems through a digital showcase of student artwork from our annual student art contest, the Science Without Borders® Challenge. Featuring winning and finalist pieces from the year the contest theme was “The Magic of Mangroves,” this display highlighted the creativity and passion of young artists from around the world. Their artwork illustrated the vital role mangroves play in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing community resilience.
Launch of the Tree Library
The Living Oceans Foundation was proud to sign on as a partner in Aeon’s Tree Library, which is building a global network to support planetary repair. This initiative connects individuals and organizations to support solutions that help to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Looking Ahead
The Living Oceans Foundation’s participation in COP29 and COP16 highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems to address the dual crises of climate change and land degradation. By collaborating with partners like Aeon Collective, we can amplify the voices of vulnerable communities, advance innovative conservation solutions, and inspire collective action to safeguard our planet for future generations. From mangrove restoration in the Caribbean to coral reef conservation in the Pacific, the Living Oceans Foundation continues to demonstrate that protecting natural ecosystems is not only essential for biodiversity but also a cornerstone of climate resilience and sustainable development. By participating in global conferences like COP29 and COP16, we continue to advocate for solutions that bridge the gap between land and ocean conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
About the Conferences
COP29
The UN Climate Change Conference took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024. These annual conferences bring together countries from around the world to advance global efforts to address climate change.
COP16
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2-13, 2024. The conference focused on solutions to land degradation, drought, and desertification—challenges that directly impact coastal and marine ecosystems.
