FEATURES

Fiji Strengthens Ocean Governance with 30×30 Targets
Fiji is taking its ocean governance to new heights with a revitalized commitment to protect 30% of its water by 2030. At the heart of this conservation initiative lies a rigorous, evidence-based, data-driven discussion among experts and government officials. With the Ministry of Fisheries at the forefront of this movement, Fiji is ensuring that its country-wide efforts align with the global 30×30 Initiative and international obligations under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

Empowering Communities: Accelerating Local Renewable Energy Transition in the Philippines
Subnational governance and local community participation emerges vital in realizing the ambitious renewable energy targets of the Philippines—achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2030, 50% by 2040, and more than 50% by 2050.

Care for the Blue Economy: Saint Lucia Charts a Sustainable Course
Saint Lucia is championing sustainable ocean governance with comprehensive blue economy strategies designed to strengthen economic resilience and foster inclusive growth.
The Coastal and Marine Spatial Plan, developed under the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project, provides a roadmap for the sustainable and equitable use of the coastal and marine spaces, protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, and management of land-water interactions.

The Right Union: Gabon Proves Conservation and Economic Growth Can Coexist
The Gabonese Republic has been classified as a high-forest low-deforestation country, with a recorded deforestatizgreon rate of just 0.6%. This remarkable outcome highlights the impact of forward-looking national policies and ambitious government commitments amid mounting threats of forest degradation across Africa.

Market Romance: Paraguay’s Carbon Credit Innovation and Climate Investments
With strong legislative enforcement of the Carbon Credit Law, the Republic of Paraguay is advancing environmental protection and conservation in the Chaco region, supporting projects that safeguard ecosystems while attracting over USD 10 million in responsible investment. At the same time, the country is expanding certification processes across more than 400,000 hectares, strengthening long-term stewardship of forests, biodiversity, and natural carbon sinks.

Community Vow: Chad Rolls Out Nationwide Drive for Environmental Responsibility
Strengthening environmental stewardship in Chad has reached a pivotal milestone with the launch of a nationwide campaign to implement Law No. 023. This legislative framework, bolstered by international partnerships and localized outreach, represents a shift from abstract policy to community-led conservation.

When Climate Reality Hits Home: CVF-V20 Secretariat in Madagascar as a Category 4 Cyclone Makes Landfall
As a Category 4 cyclone slams into Madagascar’s coastline, the force of climate change is no longer abstract, it is immediate, physical, and deeply human. The CVF Secretariat team on the ground is witnessing firsthand how climate vulnerability translates into real-time emergency response, institutional coordination, and community resilience under pressure.

High Seas Treaty Enters Into Force
The first legally binding ocean instrument to provide for inclusive ocean governance, known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, entered into force on January 17, 120 days after at least 60 countries have ratified the treaty.

Liberia to Implement Carbon Levy on Maritime Shipping
The Republic of Liberia becomes the third African country to introduce a carbon levy on maritime shipping, after Djibouti’s and Gabon’s domestic implementation. Starting on March 1 this year, the country will impose a USD 25 per tonne fee on CO2 emitted by ships entering and leaving its ports.

Marshall Islands Pioneers Climate Resilience Strategy for Atoll Nations
The Blue-Green Atolls Project by the Republic of Marshall Islands begins its preparation phase after securing approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund. Initial stages include technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the mobilization of complementary public and private finance. With the United Nations Development Programme as the implementing agency, the project receives USD 38.5 million from co-financing and USD 8.537 million from the GEF Project Grant.

Fellowship Sessions Empower Climate Leaders to Drive Bold Action
January 2026 witnessed a transformative gathering of climate champions as the CVF-V20 Secretariat hosted a series of fellowship retreats and a residency to equip youth and mid-to-senior-level officials from the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations with co-learning and networking opportunities necessary to advance ambitious development-positive climate action.

CVF-V20 Backs Evidence-Based Climate and Economic Decisions in Pakistan
The CVF-V20 Secretariat met with Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, H.E. Dr. Musadik Malik, on January 8 to align on how CVF-V20 tools and approaches can support national decision-making and delivery on climate and economic priorities. The discussion focused on positioning the Green Economy Model–Prosperity (GEM-P) as a practical, evidence-based tool for the Prime Minister’s Task Force, alongside advancing the launch and implementation of Pakistan’s Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP).



