Blog of Rina Dupriet, SI Representative to UNESCO, Paris.
The International Conference of NGOs (ICNGO), which took place at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, from 17 to 19 December 2024, hosted a series of insightful sessions, including a discussion surrounding the “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” (2021-2030). This global initiative, spearheaded by UNESCO and supported by numerous international stakeholders, seeks to address the challenges facing the world’s oceans and ensure their sustainable future. Below is an expanded overview of the key themes and aspirations highlighted during this significant dialogue.
The Ocean decade will provide a « Once-In-A-Lifetime » opportunity for nations to work together to generate the critical ocean science needed to support the sustainable development of our shared Oceans. By aligning the efforts of governments, researchers, and civil society, this initiative aims to harness scientific innovation to ensure ocean health for generations to come.
On thus topic, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasised the urgency of this mission, stating: “I urge governments and all stakeholders to commit to the conservation and sustainability of the ocean through innovation and science.”
Why a Decade of Ocean Science?
The Ocean Decade will enable action at all levels, providing a unifying framework across UN systems. This structure will to enable countries to achieve all of their ocean related priorities within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It seeks to integrate ocean science into policy and practice, recognising that sustainable management of marine resources is pivotal to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.
What are the Goals?
The goals of the Ocean Decade needs to move beyond business as usual to a true revolution in Ocean science, both in terms of action and outcomes. The transformative agenda of the Ocean Decade is promoting:
>>> Open Access: Ensuring ocean science is shared openly and is readily available for global, regional, and local use.
>>> Inclusive Partnerships: Bringing together diverse stakeholders to co-design and implement solutions.
>>> Sustainability: Embedding the principles of conservation and resource management in all scientific endeavours.
By working toward these goals, the Ocean Decade aims to create actionable knowledge that supports both the health of marine ecosystems and human society.
What is the process ?
The implementation of the Ocean Decade follows an inclusive and collaborative framework, with the process designed to maximise impact and engage a broad range of actors.
1 – Participative and transformative:
The Ocean decade is embracing a participative and transformative process so that scientists, policy makers, managers and service users can work together to ensure that Ocean Science delivers meaningful benefits for both the Ocean ecosystem and for global society. By fostering dialogue and co-creation, this approach ensures that the knowledge generated is not only scientifically robust but also practically relevant.
2 – Consultative and engaging:
The Ocean Decade adopts adopts a dual approach, blending top-down strategic direction with bottom-up community engagement. The objectives and outcomes were identified during the First Global Planning Meeting to ensure the initiative reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.
Who Benefits?
The success of the Ocean Decade relies on the contributions of many different stakeholders including scientists, policy-makers, civil society, funders and the private sector. It also benefits these different groups in the following different ways.
Through its participatory and consultative mechanisms, the Ocean Decade seeks to ensure these benefits are equitably distributed, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to ocean stewardship.
Moving Forward
The Ocean Decade represents an unprecedented opportunity to re-imagine the relationship between humanity and the ocean. It calls on all sectors to join forces, contributing their expertise, resources, and perspectives to a common cause. As the initiative progresses, continued collaboration and innovation will be essential to achieving its ambitious vision for a sustainable and resilient ocean.