The United Nations Ocean Decade: A catalyst for international collaboration enhancing ocean monitoring and data | Science
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly took a significant step towards preserving and enhancing the world’s oceans by declaring the decade from 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This initiative recognizes the ocean’s vital role in sustaining life, driving economic growth, and ensuring human well-being. With the guiding vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want,” the program aims to harness transformative ocean science solutions that are essential for sustainable development. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is spearheading this global effort, which emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research in generating the necessary knowledge, data, and tools to inform effective policy-making.
The Decade of Ocean Science is not just a call to action but a comprehensive strategy to address the myriad challenges facing our oceans, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities, the initiative seeks to improve governance and enhance our understanding of ocean ecosystems. Key objectives include promoting innovation in ocean science, developing sustainable practices, and ensuring that ocean-related knowledge is accessible to all. For instance, the initiative encourages the use of advanced technologies and data collection methods to monitor ocean health, which can lead to better management of marine resources and support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we move further into this decade, the global community is called to engage actively in ocean science initiatives, recognizing that healthy oceans are crucial for a sustainable future. The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development provides a unique opportunity to unite efforts across nations and disciplines, ensuring that the oceans can continue to support life and livelihoods for generations to come. By prioritizing ocean health and implementing science-based solutions, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable planet, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human activity and marine ecosystems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro6HGADrUZc
In recognition of the ocean’s essential role in supporting life, the economy, and human well-being, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2017 declared 2021 to 2030 the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Under the vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want” and the mission of catalyzing transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, a global effort is being undertaken by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This effort seeks to drive interdisciplinary ocean research to generate the knowledge, data, and tools needed to inform policy and support the Sustainable Development Goals through improved knowledge, innovation, and governance.
