Experiences from the Arafura and Timor Seas are now part of a global snapshot of how the world is responding to the ocean–climate crisis. The 2024–2025 Roadmap to Oceans and Climate Action (ROCA) Report, prepared by the Global Ocean Forum for UNFCCC COP30, brings together insights from 70 authors across 45 organisations to assess progress on ocean and climate action worldwide.

In this global assessment, the ATSEA Program contributes lessons from the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region, highlighting how regional cooperation can respond to climate-related pressures that directly affect coastal and small-scale fishing communities. ATSEA’s inputs cover practical responses to marine plastic pollution, including ghost gear, risks from oil spills, small-scale Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and threats to endangered species and critical habitats.

Beyond sharing experiences, ATSEA also contributes a practical planning tool to support local efforts. The Guide for Facilitators and Decision-Makers, built on ATSEA’s regional Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, is designed to help communities and local authorities turn climate information into practical steps. The guide helps users understand local climate risks, connect regional science with everyday challenges, and develop adaptation actions that reflect local priorities and capacities.

ATSEA’s inclusion in the ROCA Report shows how regional seas can contribute to global climate discussions by sharing what works on the ground. As countries and partners prepare for COP30, these regional experiences help connect international climate commitments with real-world actions in coastal and marine areas where climate impacts are already being felt.

By Yulia Dewi