This note provides a characterization of the inclusion of the ocean in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. Despite the relevance of the oceans in climate change mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage, its recognition in the process has been challenging. Here we outline the evolution of this topic in the UNFCCC until the establishment of an ocean’s dialogue, while also presenting the dialogue.  

Article 4(1)(d) of the Convention indicates that all Parties should “Promote sustainable management, and promote and cooperate in the conservation and enhancement, as appropriate, of sinks and reservoirs of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, including biomass, forests and oceans as well as other terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems;” Despite the initial optimism this article may create as to the protection of ocean’s, they received very little acknowledgement in the UNFCCC process until the creation of the ‘Because the Ocean’ initiative which spearheaded the calls for a clear space to discuss oceans in the UNFCCC process.