Last November, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP29, held from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This significant gathering brought together nearly 200 countries, all committed to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Invited by the the FINS initiative (Fighting for International Nautical Species), we represented the Nakawe Project and Team Sharkwater , emphasizing the importance of marine conservation within the broader climate agenda.

*Leopoldo Sanmiguel and Regina Domingo from Nakawe Project in COP29, Baku Azerbaijan*

What is COP?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It convenes annually to assess progress in combating climate change and to negotiate binding commitments for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. COP meetings serve as a crucial platform for countries to collaborate, share best practices, and develop new agreements to mitigate climate impacts.

Key highlights from COP29

COP29 was characterized by vital discussions and agreements focused on enhancing climate finance and fostering international cooperation. Notable outcomes included:

- Tripling Climate Finance: A breakthrough agreement was reached to increase financial support for developing countries from USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion by 2035, with an overall goal of mobilizing USD 1.3 trillion per year by that time.

- Nature-Based Solutions: Emphasis was placed on protecting ecosystems that can help mitigate climate impacts while supporting livelihoods. Indigenous peoples and local communities were recognized as essential partners in these efforts.

- Innovative Solutions: Panels discussed critical topics such as regenerative tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement, highlighting the need for collective action.

Our Experience at COP29

During our time in Baku, we had the opportunity to screen impactful films such as FIN, directed by Eli Roth and produced by Leonardo Di Caprio, and Sharkwater Extinction and Revolution directed by Rob Stewart.

Eli Roth sent a compelling video message to the FINS initiative to present the screening of his documentary FIN at COP29 in Baku. In his message, Roth highlighted the urgent and often horrifying realities depicted in the film, which exposes humanity's destructive relationship with sharks. Eli Roth stated, “Fin reveals the dark side of our obsession with shark fin soup and the brutal sport of shark hunting.” He emphasized the need for everyone—politicians, journalists, and advocates—to use their voices in support of shark conservation. “No sharks out of the water; sharks need our help,” he urged, highlighting the urgent action required to protect these vital marine species from extinction.

*Eli Roth video at COP29 at Green zone pavilion.*

In a poignant scene from Fin, Eli Roth joins Regi Domingo in Baja California Sur to uncover the harsh realities of local shark fisheries, which serve as a starting point for the international fin trade and the consumption of shark meat. Roth reflects: “In Baja, amidst breathtaking beauty, I confronted the harsh truth of shark fishing from local communities—where the consumption of their meat and the export of fins for the delicacy of shark fin soup coexist with the heartbreaking slaughter of these magnificent creatures and their decline, often involving pregnant animals, turning one death into eight lives (mother and embryos).” This moment encapsulates the film's mission to expose the horrors of shark populations decline and advocate for urgent conservation efforts.

*Regina Domingo and Eli Roth, in Fin the movie screened at COP29 at Green zone pavilion.*

Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel representing Nakawe Project ,Team sharkwater and Baja Adventures actively participated in COP29, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean degradation—challenges that impact us all. As they aptly stated, "We are all in the same ship, and if it sinks, we sink together."

Their engagement in various panels facilitated discussions on urgent topics such as regenerative tourism, ethical marine life protection, the integration of technology into ocean monitoring, community involvement in marine conservation, and education and advocacy for ocean health. They also shared valuable lessons learned from global marine conservation successes, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues effectively.

*Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel from Nakawe Project and Baja Adventures in COP29, Baku Azerbaijan presenting our regenerative tourism projects in Baja California Sur.*

The legacy of Rob Stewart at #COP29

*Regina Domingo from Nakawe Project and Team Sharkwater in the screening of Sharkwater extinction in COP29, Baku Azerbaijan*

A highlight of our experience at COP29 was screening Sharkwater Extinction and Revolution representing Team Sharkwater, two poignant documentaries by Rob Stewart. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the plight of sharks and broader environmental issues.

*Rob Steart on a scene from Sharkwater extinction screening at COP29*

Rob Stewart (December 28, 1979 – January 31, 2017) was a Canadian filmmaker, photographer, and conservationist renowned for his impactful documentaries that transformed public perception about sharks and marine ecosystems. His journey began with the release of Sharkwater in 2007, which exposed the brutal shark finning industry and won over 40 international awards. Following this success, he released Revolution in 2012, which tackled the critical issue of ocean acidification caused by carbon emissions and highlighted the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss. Stewart's final film, Sharkwater Extinction, premiered posthumously in 2018 after his tragic death while filming. This documentary emphasized that over 100 million sharks are still killed annually for their fins and other products like cosmetics.

*Sharkwater extinction screening at COP29 at FINS initiative pavilion*

Regi Domingo's heartfelt pitch before the screening of Sharkwater Extinction at COP29 in Baku served as a powerful tribute to Rob Stewart's legacy. Domingo began by reflecting on Stewart's absence, stating, "I stand before you today because Rob Stewart can no longer be here." She emphasized that the film represents more than just a documentary; it is a continuation of Stewart's mission to protect sharks and ocean ecosystems.

Domingo recounted how Stewart's first film, Sharkwater, was a pivotal moment in her life, igniting her passion for conservation. She shared, "It opened my eyes to the essential role sharks play in ocean ecosystems," which led her to volunteer at Cocos Island in Costa Rica. There, she witnessed the harsh realities of illegal shark fishing, marking the beginning of his commitment to marine conservation.

She described Rob Stewart as "a force of nature" who inspired countless individuals and changed legislation worldwide. Domingo poignantly remarked, "Sharks are the architects and balancing force of the oceanic ecosystem; they have survived all five mass extinctions, until the one we are causing now." She stressed that sharks are crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and climate resilience, saying, "When sharks thrive, our ecosystems stand a stronger chance against the impacts of climate change."

*REVOLUTION screening at COP29 at FINS initiative pavilion*

In honoring Stewart's memory, Regina Domingo called for collective action: By screening Sharkwater Extinction today, we do more than honor his work; we renew our collective commitment to protect these keystone species. She urged attendees to recognize their responsibility, stating, "The decisions we make here... will be judged by future generations."

Concluding her pitch with deep emotion, she said, "I am here to speak for Rob... and each of you is here to speak for sharks, who never have had one." Domingo encouraged everyone present to carry forward Stewart's vision and legacy: "Let us honor Rob’s legacy, knowing that his vision lives on in every life we work to protect and in every ocean we strive to keep thriving."

Rob Stewart's films have had a profound impact on individuals worldwide, including Regi Domingo, the founder of the Nakawe Project. Inspired by Rob Stewart's film in 2012, Regi moved to Costa Rica to take action against the shark fin trade in Cocos Island, Costa Rica. In 2016, she collaborated with Rob on Sharkwater Extinction, where they worked together on various scenes and conducted research on shark fisheries and the fin trade in Costa Rica and Panama. Many humans today inspired by Rob's documentaries continue to work in marine conservation advocacy, leading to impactful legislative changes globally. Rob's legacy endures through the many individuals he inspired, all striving for a world where sharks are protected

Through these films, Rob Stewart not only educated audiences but also galvanized a movement for marine conservation that resonates today. His work serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our oceans and the vital species within them.

Conservation is the preservation of human life on earth, and that, above all else, is worth fighting for. We are our own asteroid. Our consumption of fossil fuels has released--is releasing--a store of carbon into the atmosphere that has been accumulating for hundreds of millions of years.- Rob Stewart

*Regina Domingo from Nakawe Project and Team Sharkwater in the screening of REVOLUTION in COP29, Baku Azerbaijan*

During the screenings at COP19 in Baku, a remarkable turnout of spectators highlighted the enduring impact of Rob Stewart's films. Many attendees were introduced to Stewart's research and documentaries for the first time, gaining crucial insights into the current state of shark populations and the urgent need for conservation. The enthusiasm of the younger generation was particularly inspiring, as they expressed a strong desire to make a difference—an outcome that Rob passionately advocated for throughout his life.Rob believed in engaging youth to reshape their perceptions of sharks, emphasizing that they are not monsters but essential engineers of our oceans. His message resonated deeply during the screenings, encouraging participants to understand that experiencing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat can profoundly change one’s perspective on marine life. This legacy of inspiration continues to motivate new advocates for ocean conservation, ensuring that Rob's vision for a healthier marine ecosystem lives on.

*Rob Stewart's parents, Sandy and Brian Stewart sending a message to COP29 and FINS initiative pavilion attendees.*

Rob’s footage from Sharkwater Extinction and work towards saving the oceans continues to impact efforts today. His work to led to the signing of the California Drift Net Ban in Fall of 2018, as well as legislation banning drift nets in Federal waters passed by the US House and Senate in February 2022. Mozambique banned commercial fishing of whale sharks, manta rays, or any mobula species in 2021. Both the U.S. Senate and House passed the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act in February 2022. The bill has been included in the America COMPETES Act and is awaiting sign off. The UK announced their ban in 2021 and legislation is expected to be finalized in 2022. Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez announced in February 2021 that shark fishing was banned in the country. Legislation is still inspired by Rob’s documentaries and will continue to be.

Sharkwater, Revolution and Sharkwater Extinction have been awarded more than 200 international awards and viewed by over 130 million people.

*Regi Domingo and a 12-year-old local named Javid shared their inspiring stories of how Rob Stewart's films motivated them to become guardians of sharks.*

As we reflect on our participation at COP29, it is clear that our fight for marine conservation is far from over. We must amplify our efforts to protect sharks and their habitats while advocating for systemic changes to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Interconnectedness of Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change

The decline of shark populations is alarming; sharks are often killed not just for their fins but also for use in pet food and cosmetics. As highlighted in *Sharkwater: Extinction*, this exploitation contributes to unhealthy ecosystems. Sharks play an essential role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems; their absence disrupts ecological balance.

Currently, global biodiversity has declined by 73%, with a staggering 90% reduction in large fish populations over the last century. To combat climate change effectively, we must achieve two main goals: reduce carbon emissions to near zero—acknowledging that even then warming will persist for up to 1,000 years—and restore natural habitats such as mangroves, forests, wetlands, and seagrass beds.

Inspired by cooperative strategies observed in nature—such as those exhibited by orcas—we aim to empower local communities as vital allies in conservation efforts. As we move forward from COP29 with renewed purpose and a call to action: **the time to act is now.

Together, we can ensure a sustainable future because the stakes have never been higher.

FINS initiative pavilion side event with Michael Fishback and Heather Watrous form Great Whale Conservancy, Regina Domingo from Nakawe Project, and Matthew David Kaplan Marine Wildlife Cinematographer.

Reflections After COP29

After ten days at COP29, our team returned home to Loreto, Baja California Sur, feeling both inspired and sobered by our experiences. While progress has been made at COP29, stronger targets and decisive actions are urgently needed. Nature-based solutions must lead our efforts forward.

However, the conference concluded with a weak climate deal that disappointed many advocates for global action on climate and nature. The agreed financing of $300 billion annually by 2035 is inadequate when developing countries sought over $1 trillion in support. This weak agreement not only jeopardizes global efforts to address climate change but also leaves vulnerable communities increasingly exposed to devastating climate disasters.

Moreover, there has been a troubling disconnect between climate action and biodiversity loss throughout the negotiations. Despite the clear interdependence of these issues, COP29 failed to send a strong message about the urgency of addressing both climate change and ongoing biodiversity decline.

As we move forward from COP29, we carry with us a renewed purpose and a call to action: the time to act is now.

Together, we must ensure a sustainable future because the stakes have never been higher.

From the Nakawe Project, we want to extend a heartfelt message of gratitude to the FINS initiative for their invitation, and to Sandy and Bryan Stewart for supporting us with all the elements needed to screen Sharkwater Extinction and Revolution, as well as for their support on our journey to Baku. We also thank Eli Roth for his efforts in making the screening of FIN at COP29 possible. Together, we are making positive changes happen, and the formula to rewild our planet and our future is to work within communities like this.

Nakawe Project and Team Sharkwater at #COP29, 29th United nations climate change conference together with FINS initiative