Objective
This event aims to highlight and alert of the impacts of offshore wind power on the conservation and protection of marine migratory species in Latin America. Context: The development of offshore wind power is advancing rapidly in the Colombian Caribbean and Northeast Brazil as part of energy transition strategies to move away from fossil fuels and combat climate change. However, the proposed projects are being developed in the context of a triple planetary crisis (climate, biodiversity, and pollution) and in territories and marine areas of high ecological and migratory sensitivity, which could be adversely affected by these projects. The projects framed within this energy transition discourse fail to consider the following aspects:
- The application of environmental and transoceanic impact assessment methodologies that consider cumulative and synergistic impacts, incorporating ecological, biological, and migratory dimensions from a precautionary perspective, to guarantee a holistic, spatial, and temporal management.
- The differentiated impacts caused by the spatial overlap between offshore wind projects and migratory, nesting, feeding, and reproductive areas.
- The effects of offshore wind energy development on coastal and marine-dependent communities such as small-scale fishers, Indigenous peoples, traditional users of the sea livelihoods, and their relations with migratory species and cycles.
- The lack of meaningful participation, access to information, and consideration of cumulative socio-economic impacts in decision-making processes.
Based on case studies and a critical review of regulatory and technical frameworks in Brazil and Colombia, gaps in environmental licensing processes have been identified, and guidelines for fair, participatory, and rigorous marine-coastal planning are being proposed.
Link to the COP15 agenda topics
The event will align with multiple agenda items. First, its objective is to highlight the impacts of offshore wind power implementation on marine biodiversity, a topic to be addressed at the COP under agenda item 25.2. More specifically, in accordance with agenda item 25.2.2, the event will delve into the high levels of underwater noise that the installation phase of support piles (pile-driving) generates.
The panel will also emphasize the expected impacts of offshore wind power projects on the health and resilience of marine turtle populations, as outlined in agenda item 25.5. In addition, a human rights perspective will be integrated into the discussion, underscoring the importance of safeguarding cultural identity and the livelihoods of coastal communities, in line with agenda item 28.4.
In a broader sense, the themes of the event are also linked to other items on the COP agenda, including cumulative effects assessments (item 28.9), renewable energy (item 28.11), and climate change (item 28.12).
Description and Agenda
This event will bring together diverse voices and areas of expertise in an interactive panel to explore multiple perspectives. It will address the scientific evidence on the expected impacts on marine biodiversity, provide an overview of the potential effects on marine turtle populations, and highlight the importance of defending human rights in the development of these types of projects.
- Welcome and panelists' presentation by the moderator. (2 min)
- Brief introduction to offshore wind power and projects in Latin America by the moderator. (5 min)
- Interactive panel
- AIDA: Expected impacts of offshore wind power projects from a scientific perspective. (8 min)
- Tamar Foundation: Expected impacts on migratory species, specifically marine turtles. (8 min)
- Terramar Institute: Expected impacts on cultural practices and human rights of coastal communities. (8 min)
- Conclusions by the moderator (5 min)
- Q&A (9 min)