Decade Collaborative Centre for the Pacific Islands Region of the Pacific Ocean (DCC-PIR-PO)

Ocean science is of enormous importance to Pacific Island countries and territories due to their locality as island states distributed widely across the oceanic region, strong cultural and historic connection with the Pacific Ocean, and dependance on the Pacific Ocean as a source of livelihoods, food security, social and cultural needs.

The Pacific Community (SPC) is recognized as the principal scientific and technical organization in the Pacific Islands region. The Pacific Islands Ocean Decade Collaborative Center (DCC) is aligned with existing SPC initiatives, and SPC established the Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS) within its structure in 2019 to:

1. strengthen collaboration, coordination and integration of ocean science at SPC;
2. provide integrated ocean science and services to SPC members; and
3. develop partnerships with international and regional partners in ocean science.

The DCC has a regional focus addressing the interests of the 22 SPC island member countries and territories and New Zealand. Most of these countries and territories are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and, in some cases, Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The geographic area covered represents approximately 30% of the Pacific Ocean. The Centre’s lead institution is the Pacific Community (SPC), and the DCC would be linked to SPC’s Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science (PCCOS).

All Decade Actions that are being fully or partially implemented in the region will be included within the scope of the DCC as primary or secondary attachments. This includes Actions being implemented in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the member countries and territories or in areas beyond national jurisdiction in the region.

Thematically, the DCC will address the ten Decade Challenges, in partnership with its members, other Pacific regional organizations, the private sector, communities and civil society.

Start Date: 2023
End Date: 2027

Lead Contacts: Jerome Aucan (jeromea@spc.int) and Pierre-Yves Charpentier (pierreyvesc@spc.int)