National ACTION
Ocean Knowledge Revolution at the Country Level
National Decade Committees (NDCs) have been established to facilitate national coordination of Decade activities.
These national multi-agency and multi-stakeholder platforms involve the national political and scientific institutions and actors concerned by the ocean and its management. Existing national coordinating mechanisms can provide the basis for performing such functions.
National Decade Committees aim to engage the national ocean community (a wide variety of local and sub-national stakeholders) and facilitate co-design of initiatives (programmes, projects and contributions) that can be endorsed as Decade Actions, across groups of stakeholders. They can also facilitate hosting of sub-regional or regional meetings related to the Decade.
The National Decade Committee Guidelines offers structural and governance advice for the setting up and running of NDCs. National Decade Committees can request use of the Decade’s logo to implement or coordinate national outreach and communications activities in accordance with the Ocean Decade Brand Guidelines. The Ocean Decade Network provides a platform to promote exchange and cooperation between National Decade Committees. Discussions groups dedicated to each of the National Decade Committees have been created to disseminate information about their activities and processes to the national stakeholders and/or to use this group as a management platform for their members.
The IOC Secretariat is increasing a more structured engagement with National Decade Committees and organizes regular informal meetings to provide information about the Decade progress, the endorsement process of Decade actions and guidance on the diverse engagement mechanisms (e.g. Ocean Decade Network, Decade Collaborative Centers and Decade Implementing Partners amongst others):
- Webinar “Engaging multiple stakeholders in the Ocean Decade: the key role of national and regional stakeholder networks”, 18 May 2021
- “Online meeting and exchange with National Decade Committees and Regional Taskforces”, 13 October 2021
- “Online meeting: Global Stakeholder Forum groups for NDCs and Regional Taskforces”, 19 January 2022
Angola
Contact point:
Ms Francisca Alberta Lourenço Pires DELGADO
Email: frapidelgado14@gmail.com
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde Ocean Decade Committee was established on April 25th 2021 and it is one of the 11 first committees to be established at a global level and the first for Africa. The members of the committee are ocean related professionals and ECOPs actives on different fields as NGOs, industry, traditional knowledge, decision makers, nautical sports, maritime law, communications, science and education.
The Committee launched its activities on 1st of June, at the Ocean Decade kick-off, with a major event evolving all members and the civil society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18uMfMCpAg&t=2s. The Committee has been actively promoting the implementation plan, sharing it with young professionals, the private sector, decision makers and civil society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_hutZnbVtE
Their website is a great tool to give visibility to the members and help promote their work with the implementation plan and the SDGs goals, particularly SDG14: https://www.cvoceandecade.com/. Cabo Verde Ocean Decade Committee has one endorsed Decade Action: Ocean Literacy Educational Program – Ocean Health and Protection, ID 49.
Contact Point:
Leila Neves
Email: leilabneves@gmail.com
Ghana
Contact Point:
Mike Osei-Atweneboana | Email: oseiatweneboana@yahoo.co.uk
Madagascar
Contact Point:
Aina Le Don NOMENISOA
Email: ainaledon294@gmail.com
Nigeria
The Nigerian National Stakeholders forum was established in December 2020. At the invitation of IOC UNESCO, the National office of UNESCO (NATCOM) appointed a Focal Point person with a mandate to assemble all the key groups as Ocean Decade committee members for their endorsement. This process was completed early 2021. The representatives of the different strata of Nigeria, including NGO’s, women and students constitute the present National committee on Ocean Decade. Members of the Nigerian National Stakeholders forum are drawn from academia, non-profits Organizations, government employees, industry, and youth groups. The approach of the Nigerian National forum to the Decade is unfolding as it draw upon ideas from some advanced Ocean Decade committees in the world. Various members of the committee are collaborating and reaching out to other National committee members globally for improved understanding of additional roles to embrace. Series of webinar has been organized for a universal understanding of what is expected from each member of the committee. Presentations from key coordinators of the thematic areas formed part of the activities held. The National forum on ocean Decade activities is developing a national action plan and strategy to strengthen key points for presentation to the House of assembly.
“The National Committee website (https://www.nigoceanstakeholders.org/) features some information about the Decade and will increasingly incorporate announcements made by UNESCO IOC, members, upcoming events, opportunities for early-career professional and youth involvement”.
Contact point:
REGINA FOLORUNSHO
Brazil
Co-Design is at the center of the work of our National Decade Committee.
The Committee’s initial task was to support a series of events throughout 2020, in preparation for the Decade. The plan included two webinars and workshops, one for each region of the country.
The Brazilian subnational workshops were structured around 7 working groups corresponding to the expected results for the Ocean Decade. The workshop in the Centro-Oeste region, devoid of coast, had its own organization and format. Each subnational workshop had a controlled number of participants, divided by working groups. In each work group, we sought to maintain the diversity of sectors of society, gender and professional experiences, in the same way as all other global events of the Decade. The initial and final sessions of the workshops were broadcast over the internet, ensuring an even greater reach in the participation of different actors. The work sessions were all conducted by teleconference, distributed over 5 days for each workshop. The workshops counted with 476 active participants, of which 62% of these women.
The national governance benefited from the voluntary formation of five Regional Mobilization Groups and a Youth Mobilization Group. Those representations have contributed to capillarize the Decade within local level stakeholders from a wide range of sectors. Also, they have widened the possibility of stakeholders engagement in a valuable bottom up process and in a genuine manner.
Link to National Launch.
Discover the key figures of the National Implementation Plan of the Ocean Decade.
Contact point:
Karen Silverwood-Cope
Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication
Email: cgoa@mctic.gov.br, karen.cope@mctic.gov.br
Canada
Canada is a proud supporter of the Ocean Decade and is building a strong contribution to the Ocean Decade.
Canada’s contribution is supported by a variety of groups:
- A dedicated Ocean Decade office within Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
- Government of Canada and DFO Science Committees.
- Canada’s Ocean Decade Community of Champions.
- Canadian Node of the Global Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs).
Collectively, these groups form Canada’s National Decade Committee. The Community of Champions is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder national platform to mobilize the Canadian ocean community and foster innovative and transformative science-based actions. It is composed of seven Champions, one for each Decade Outcome, and will see the creation of thematic networks/working groups in 2022. The Government of Canada and DFO Science Committees support the federal government participation. The DFO Ocean Decade Office provides overall coordination, and a Canadian ECOPs Node links with the Global ECOPs Programme.
Altogether, about 50 individuals from more than 25 organizations, and multiple sectors are involved.
In addition, the National Decade Committee will leverage the membership of the Oceans Research in Canada Alliance (ORCA), a community of practice with over 500 members aiming to advance ocean science cooperation in Canada.
Canada’s National Decade Committee draws from the collective leadership of the Canadian ocean community at all levels. It is flexible and open to foster a broad uptake of the Decade outcomes maximizing its benefits both within Canada and beyond. It also underpins the principles of co-design, inclusivity and diversity (including gender, geographic and generational) as key pillars.
Contact Point:
Email: DFO.OceanDecade-DecennieOcean.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Chile
The Chilean National Decade Committee (NDC) was created by the 144th Assembly of the National Oceanographic Committee (CONA) at the end of 2020. Membership to the NDC was agreed to be the same as for CONA, allowing each member to join the National Committee. CONA Secretariat was designated to become the Secretariat of the NDC. CONA is conformed by public and academic institutions.
Contact point:
Juan J. Fierro
Email: jfierro@shoa.cl
Colombia
In 2021, under the leadership of the Colombian Ocean Commission, the Colombian National Technical Committee for the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (CTN-DCODS), was stablished with the purpose to serve as a focal point to integrate and combine the national actions towards the Decade, promoting the sustainable development of coastal marine territories and the participation of all interested actors by potentializing their access to the benefits of this initiative.
The CTN-DCODS’ members represent the relevant areas of ocean science, involving the Academia, Private sector, and the Government trough the participation of its Ministries and public entities. Additionally, and what it’s relevant about the CTN-DCODS, is the incorporation of different mechanisms that coordinates the national actions and programs related to the ocean, such as the National Committee of Ocean Education.
Currently, the CTN-DCODS is developing an action plan that will set the path towards the implementation of the Decade, encompassing the actions needed to ensure the comprehension of the human and ocean interaction.
In commemoration of the Decade and the national commitment to it, a launch event was held in April of 2021, you can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYq1WatoHKc
For more information about the CTN-DCODS: https://cco.gov.co/decenio-de-las-ciencias-oceanicas-para-el-desarrollo-sostenible-2021-2030.html
Contact point:
Ms. Santiago Bolañoz Barrera
Colombian Ocean Commission
Email: internacional3@cco.gov.co
Watch the event.
Mexico
Contact Point:
Guillermo Antonio Solís Sánches | Email: guillermo.solis@sems.gob.mx
United States of America
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened the U.S. National Committee (USNC) in May 2020 to support U.S. contributions to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Committee’s activities are sponsored by the U.S. federal ocean agencies and the National Academies. The membership (Meet the Committee) includes experts from various sectors covering a broad range of ocean issues and four Early Career Liaisons.
The USNC serves as the organizational center for U.S. contributions to the UN Ocean Decade. The USNC convenes meetings and disseminates information regarding Decade events to the broad range of ocean stakeholders. Outreach activities include a newsletter, calendar, and establishment of the U.S. Nexus to provide a mechanism for ocean organizations to share and participate in Ocean Decade activities. In addition, the USNC issued a call for “Ocean-Shots”, defined as transformational research concepts, and received over 100 submissions. Ocean-Shots and other resources are available at www.nationalacademies.org/oceandecadeus. A launch meeting was held in February 2021 to introduce U.S. efforts and feature the first round of Ocean-Shot submissions. The USNC continues to support further development of Ocean-Shot concepts to encourage sponsorship and advance progress on the Ocean Decade Challenges.
Website: The U.S. National Decade Committee
Contact point:
Leighann Martin | Email: LMartin@nas.edu
China
Contact Point:
Email: zhangzhanhai@pric.org.cn
India
Contact Point:
Dr. Srinivas Kumar | Email: srinivas@incois.gov.in
Indonesia
Contact point:
Zainal Arifin | Email: iocunesco@brin.go.id
Islamique Républic of Iran
Contact Point:
Dr Morteza TAVAKOLI | Email: inioas@inio.ac.ir
Japan
The Japan National Committee of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development was officially launched on Feb 25 2021. Members of the National Committee are drawn from academia, non-profits, government employees, and industry, comprising a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple groups relevant to the Decade. The Committee published a booklet “Japan’s Initiatives for UN Decade of Ocean Science”.
Website: https://oceandecade.jp/en/
Contact point:
Tomohiko Tsunoda
Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Email: t-tsunoda@spf.or.jp
Yutaka Michida
University of Tokyo
Email: ymichida@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Oman
Contact Point
Mr. Ahmed Moosa Al Balushi | Email: ahmed.moosa@moe.om
Republic of Korea
Contact Point:
Kim, Jun Hyung | Email: kim.junhyung@kiost.ac.kr
Thailand
Contact Point:
Suree Satapoomin | Email: s.satapoomin@gmail.com
Republic of Türkiye
Türkiye National Decade Committee is created in the first half of 2021 and works for gathering ideas and catalyzing support for the Decade. Members of the National Committee are comprised a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple agencies and institutes relevant to the Decade. It is drawn from universities, ministries and scientific experts. These experts are largely drawn from the marine sciences communities. The Committee held a kick-off event in 24 August 2021 with participation from different sectors for supporting and announcing the Decade.
Some generic information about the Decade on our official website: https://www.shodb.gov.tr/shodb_esas/index.php/tr/ (in Turkish)
Contact point:
Dr. Emre TÜKENMEZ
Email: etukenmez@shodb.gov.tr
Belgium
The National Decade Committee for Belgium was officially established on 2 December 2022. It is composed of a core group and an open group as a sounding board. The core group aims for a balanced representation (federal, Flanders, Wallonia, politics, research, industry, NGOs, education…) to serve as a central hub linking and engaging national and local actors involved in the Oceans Decade. Aiming to promote “transformative and demand-driven” actions on the challenges of the Oceans Decade and to facilitate the contributions and involvement of local and national actors.
Core group members list here.
For the latest news by NDC-BE, follow the group: National Decade Committee for Belgium (NDC-BE) | The Ocean Decade
Are you based in Belgium and are participating in an Ocean Decade Action? Need guidance or you want to make the most of the Ocean Decade momentum? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet (Focal point, co-chair of core group)
Sophie Mirgaux (Chair of core group)
Juana Jimenez (NDC Secretariat)
Contact Point:
Email: oceandecade@vliz.be
Denmark, Greenland and Faroe Islands
Contact Point:
Steffen Malskaer Olsen | Email: smo@dmi.dk
Finland
The committee was established 2.6.2021.The task of the Finnish National Committee is to draft a plan of actions for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in Finland and to coordinate its implementation.
Download the Finnish National Implementation Plan for the Ocean Decade
Contact Points:
Chair:
Jussi Soramäki (Mr)
Senior ministerial advisor, Maritime policy, Government Strategy Department
1st Secretary:
Hermanni Kaartokallio (Dr)
Leading scientist, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)
Kaartokallio Hermanni: Hermanni.Kaartokallio@syke.fi
2nd Secretary :
Jaakko Seppänen (Dr)
Researcher, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
Seppänen Jaakko (FMI): jaakko.seppanen@fmi.fi
France
The French National Decade Committee was launched on 7 December 2021. It brings together scientists, academics, representatives from the Government, civil society, NGOs, private sector companies, etc. in marine science and technology, thus covering many areas of expertise. Its role is to coordinate national activities as part of the Ocean Decade, to mobilize the French marine science and technology community to take part to the Decade, to disseminate information and to provide documentary resources on the challenges and issues of the Decade to the various stakeholders and citizens in order to rally them and motivate them to get involved in Decade activities.
Contact point:
Aurélie Chamiot-Prieur
Commission nationale pour la Commission Océanographique Intergouvernementale
Email: aurelie.chamiot-prieur@developpement-durable.gouv.fr
Website: Commission Océanographique Intergouvernementale
Germany
The National Committee (Ozean Dekadenkomitee) was created in the second half of 2020, allowing National Committee members to engage and shape the evolution of the Decade and its implementation in Germany early in the process. The Committee was formally established by the German IOC committee and members of the National Committee were drawn by an open application process from academia, non-profits, government, policy, early careers and industry, comprising a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple groups relevant to the Decade.
The National Committee will hold its launch meeting in June 2021 after the international launch event with the ambition to promote the Decade in Germany and engage participation from all sectors. The National Committee is developing a national action plan and established eight subgroups to facilitate engagement and action towards the Decade objectives. The National Committee website features some generic information about the Decade and will increasingly incorporate announcements made by the National Committee Members, upcoming events, opportunities for early-career professional and youth involvement, Q&A features of those engaged with the Decade, and a list of National Committee members.
Website: Ozean Dekadenkomitee
Link to List of Members
Contact points:
Co-Chairs: Gesine Meißner (former MEP), Prof.Dr. Martin Visbeck
Email: info@ozeandekade.de
Italy
The National Committee was created in the second half of 2021, allowing its members to engage and shape the evolution of the Decade and its implementation in Italy early in the process. The Comitato Nazionale Per il Decennio del Mare in Italia (CND-IT) promotes the objectives and opportunities of the UN Ocean Decade, encouraging and facilitating national contributions to Decade actions, also through the submission of proposals. It favours the participation of different typologies of stakeholders (including Academy, institutions Public, companies, associations and civil society) and free access to information and data, decision-making instruments based on science and / or opportunities for knowledge transfer and development of skills.
List of endorsed Decade Actions submitted by Italian Organisations:
- IT-NAVY HIGH NORTH PROGRAM
- The Science We Need for the Mediterranean Sea We Want
- The Current III “The Mediterraneans: “Thus waves come in pairs”
- CoastPredict – Observing and Predicting the Global Coastal Ocean
- Digital innovation Hand-in-Hand with fisheries and ecosystems scientific monitoring
- Ocean Literacy With All (OLWA): the change we need for the ocean we want
Contact point:
Rosalia Santoleri
Italian Oceanographic Commission
Email: segreteria.coi@cnr.it
Website: https://decenniodelmare.it
Norway
The National Committee of Norway was established on World Ocean’s Day in 2021. The committee represents central ocean communities in Norway, drawn from the fields of research, business sector, NGOs, communication, and public sphere.
The committee’s work builds on a plan for national Ocean Decade priorities. The priorities were formed by an expert group and launched in October 2020 with the document “The UN Decade of Ocean Science. Proposed priority areas for Norway”.
The proposed priority areas are:
- Climate and environment interactions
- Holistic ocean governance
- Healthy and safe seafood for all
- Renewable energy from the ocean
- Environmentally friendly maritime transport
- An ocean of data
- Who owns the ocean?
- Keeping the Artic as one
- Global ocean economy and development aid
- Everyone understands the ocean!
For the coming period the committees work is centered around activities that increases awareness of, and mobilizes to, the Ocean Decade, with special emphasis on the business sector. Ocean Literacy is also a central area for the committee with several planned activities ahead.
Read more about the committee: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/about-the-research-council/Portfolios/Oceans/UN-Ocean-Science/norwegian-un-ocean-decade-national-committee/
Read the national priority plan: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/about-the-research-council/Portfolios/Oceans/UN-Ocean-Science/the-decade-of-ocean-science-in-norway/
Website: The Research Council of Norway’s Ocean Secretariat
Link to proposed priority areas for Norwegian efforts.
Contact point:
Kjersti Fjalestad
The Research Council of Norway’s Ocean Secretariat
Email: ktf@rcn.no
Russian Federation
Contact Point:
Natalia Golubeva
Email: golubevani@minobrnauki.gov.ru
Slovenia
The Slovenian National Decade Committee has been established and approved by the Slovenian National Commission of UNESCO at its meeting on August 2, 2021.
The National Decade Committee (NDC) acts as an expert and advisory body for the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. The tasks of the NDC include in particular:
– advising the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO on issues related to the UN Ocean Decade 2021-2030: Oceanography for Sustainable Development;
– proposing and coordinating programmes and activities in the framework of the Ocean Decade (in cooperation with the National Committee of the IOC and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO);
– bringing together national stakeholders and coordinating their proposals for the Ocean Decade;
– ensuring the implementation of the adopted Ocean Decade Action Programme (in cooperation with the IOC National Committee and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO);
– participating in international activities of the Ocean Decade;
– ensuring publicity of the Ocean Decade among the interested public (in cooperation with the National Committee of the IOC and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO).
The NDC reports annually on its work to the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. The term of office of the NDC members is for the duration of the Ocean Decade, 2021-2030.
Contact Point:
Vesna FLANDER-PUTRLE, PhD
Email: vesna.flanderputrle@nib.si
Spain
Contact Point:
Mr Rafael GONZÁLEZ-QUIRÓS FERNÁNDEZ
Email: deceniocienciaoceano@ieo.es
Sweden
In 2021 the Swedish government commissioned Formas, a government research council for sustainable development, to establish and host the National Committee for the Decade. The members in the committee represent national agencies of relevance for ocean, waters, polar regions, climate and international cooperation, marine researchers and NGOs. The largest annual event takes place on World Ocean Day, that will be arranged for the third time, June 8th 2022.
In parallel, the government has also commissioned Formas to carry out a 10-year national research program on ocean and waters that will enable synergies with implementation of the Decade.
Sweden will contribute to the implementation of the Decade, nationally and internationally by:
- Strengthen cooperation between different actors in marine research and innovation.
- Strengthen the coordination of investments in marine research and innovation.
- Disseminate, make available and utilize research and innovation generated by the Decade.
- Raise knowledge and awareness of the significance of the seas and ocean.
- Develop exchanges and collaborations between Swedish and international actors and initiatives.
- Continue to be a committed member of the IOC- Unesco
Information about the committee and activities are presented on a website. National Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science
Contact point:
John Tumpane | Email: john.tumpane@formas.se
United Kingdom
The UK’s National Decade Committee is in the process of being formed. Its membership is comprised of members from UK’s Government and Devolved Administrations, and across the ocean science community, representing a range of sectors. The membership will embrace the breadth of ocean science, including the humanities, arts, health and social research and incorporate early career researchers. The Committee aims to promote and enable a whole of UK society approach to the Ocean Decade. It will support and work with UK Government and their representatives to the IOC, to engage the ocean science community and broader society and to inspire them to develop opportunities within the Decade. The National Committee will hold a launch meeting later in 2022. UK researchers and institutions are contributing to a variety of Ocean Decade Actions including Marine.Science, Joint Exploration of the Twilight Zone Ocean Network, Digital Twins of the Ocean and Seabed 2030.
Contact Point:
New Zealand
The New Zealand Reference Group on the Decade of Ocean Science was established in October 2020 to advise on New Zealand’s contribution to the Decade and to connect the National Commission to relevant networks. In May 2021, the Reference Group was reconstituted as the Aotearoa New Zealand National Decade Committee.
The membership is drawn from across the Aotearoa ocean sector including western scientists, indigenous knowledge specialists, government representatives and youth representatives.
A Decade launch event was hosted at the New Zealand Parliament on UN World Oceans Day in 2021 with a range of presentations about ocean science in New Zealand:
NZ launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – Schannel van Dijken – YouTube
NZ Launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – João De Souza – YouTube
NZ launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – Dr Bill Fry – YouTube
NZ Launch of UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE – Anne Sophie Pagé – YouTube
The Committee supports domestic activities, acts as a link between national and international activities and engages stakeholders with the Decade. It has contributed to the virtual lab series and aligning NZ/Pacific projects with endorsed Decade programmes. It also works with Pacific Ocean Science Regional Hub.
In New Zealand, ocean science draws from many knowledges and practices including values and world views of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and the Pacific. Weaving these knowledge systems into our contribution to the Decade has generated a distinctive multidisciplinary approach to our work.
The website Te Tini a Tangaroa is an online search tool to connect audiences with ocean science currently underway in New Zealand and to showcase the importance of indigenous knowledge.
Contact point:
Silke Bieda
- Africa
Angola
Contact point:
Ms Francisca Alberta Lourenço Pires DELGADO
Email: frapidelgado14@gmail.com
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde Ocean Decade Committee was established on April 25th 2021 and it is one of the 11 first committees to be established at a global level and the first for Africa. The members of the committee are ocean related professionals and ECOPs actives on different fields as NGOs, industry, traditional knowledge, decision makers, nautical sports, maritime law, communications, science and education.
The Committee launched its activities on 1st of June, at the Ocean Decade kick-off, with a major event evolving all members and the civil society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18uMfMCpAg&t=2s. The Committee has been actively promoting the implementation plan, sharing it with young professionals, the private sector, decision makers and civil society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_hutZnbVtE
Their website is a great tool to give visibility to the members and help promote their work with the implementation plan and the SDGs goals, particularly SDG14: https://www.cvoceandecade.com/. Cabo Verde Ocean Decade Committee has one endorsed Decade Action: Ocean Literacy Educational Program – Ocean Health and Protection, ID 49.
Contact Point:
Leila Neves
Email: leilabneves@gmail.com
Ghana
Contact Point:
Mike Osei-Atweneboana | Email: oseiatweneboana@yahoo.co.uk
Madagascar
Contact Point:
Aina Le Don NOMENISOA
Email: ainaledon294@gmail.com
Nigeria
The Nigerian National Stakeholders forum was established in December 2020. At the invitation of IOC UNESCO, the National office of UNESCO (NATCOM) appointed a Focal Point person with a mandate to assemble all the key groups as Ocean Decade committee members for their endorsement. This process was completed early 2021. The representatives of the different strata of Nigeria, including NGO’s, women and students constitute the present National committee on Ocean Decade. Members of the Nigerian National Stakeholders forum are drawn from academia, non-profits Organizations, government employees, industry, and youth groups. The approach of the Nigerian National forum to the Decade is unfolding as it draw upon ideas from some advanced Ocean Decade committees in the world. Various members of the committee are collaborating and reaching out to other National committee members globally for improved understanding of additional roles to embrace. Series of webinar has been organized for a universal understanding of what is expected from each member of the committee. Presentations from key coordinators of the thematic areas formed part of the activities held. The National forum on ocean Decade activities is developing a national action plan and strategy to strengthen key points for presentation to the House of assembly.
“The National Committee website (https://www.nigoceanstakeholders.org/) features some information about the Decade and will increasingly incorporate announcements made by UNESCO IOC, members, upcoming events, opportunities for early-career professional and youth involvement”.
Contact point:
REGINA FOLORUNSHO
- Americas
Brazil
Co-Design is at the center of the work of our National Decade Committee.
The Committee’s initial task was to support a series of events throughout 2020, in preparation for the Decade. The plan included two webinars and workshops, one for each region of the country.
The Brazilian subnational workshops were structured around 7 working groups corresponding to the expected results for the Ocean Decade. The workshop in the Centro-Oeste region, devoid of coast, had its own organization and format. Each subnational workshop had a controlled number of participants, divided by working groups. In each work group, we sought to maintain the diversity of sectors of society, gender and professional experiences, in the same way as all other global events of the Decade. The initial and final sessions of the workshops were broadcast over the internet, ensuring an even greater reach in the participation of different actors. The work sessions were all conducted by teleconference, distributed over 5 days for each workshop. The workshops counted with 476 active participants, of which 62% of these women.
The national governance benefited from the voluntary formation of five Regional Mobilization Groups and a Youth Mobilization Group. Those representations have contributed to capillarize the Decade within local level stakeholders from a wide range of sectors. Also, they have widened the possibility of stakeholders engagement in a valuable bottom up process and in a genuine manner.
Link to National Launch.
Discover the key figures of the National Implementation Plan of the Ocean Decade.
Contact point:
Karen Silverwood-Cope
Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication
Email: cgoa@mctic.gov.br, karen.cope@mctic.gov.brCanada
Canada is a proud supporter of the Ocean Decade and is building a strong contribution to the Ocean Decade.
Canada’s contribution is supported by a variety of groups:
- A dedicated Ocean Decade office within Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
- Government of Canada and DFO Science Committees.
- Canada’s Ocean Decade Community of Champions.
- Canadian Node of the Global Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs).
Collectively, these groups form Canada’s National Decade Committee. The Community of Champions is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder national platform to mobilize the Canadian ocean community and foster innovative and transformative science-based actions. It is composed of seven Champions, one for each Decade Outcome, and will see the creation of thematic networks/working groups in 2022. The Government of Canada and DFO Science Committees support the federal government participation. The DFO Ocean Decade Office provides overall coordination, and a Canadian ECOPs Node links with the Global ECOPs Programme.
Altogether, about 50 individuals from more than 25 organizations, and multiple sectors are involved.
In addition, the National Decade Committee will leverage the membership of the Oceans Research in Canada Alliance (ORCA), a community of practice with over 500 members aiming to advance ocean science cooperation in Canada.
Canada’s National Decade Committee draws from the collective leadership of the Canadian ocean community at all levels. It is flexible and open to foster a broad uptake of the Decade outcomes maximizing its benefits both within Canada and beyond. It also underpins the principles of co-design, inclusivity and diversity (including gender, geographic and generational) as key pillars.
Contact Point:
Email: DFO.OceanDecade-DecennieOcean.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Chile
The Chilean National Decade Committee (NDC) was created by the 144th Assembly of the National Oceanographic Committee (CONA) at the end of 2020. Membership to the NDC was agreed to be the same as for CONA, allowing each member to join the National Committee. CONA Secretariat was designated to become the Secretariat of the NDC. CONA is conformed by public and academic institutions.
Contact point:
Juan J. Fierro
Email: jfierro@shoa.cl
Colombia
In 2021, under the leadership of the Colombian Ocean Commission, the Colombian National Technical Committee for the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (CTN-DCODS), was stablished with the purpose to serve as a focal point to integrate and combine the national actions towards the Decade, promoting the sustainable development of coastal marine territories and the participation of all interested actors by potentializing their access to the benefits of this initiative.
The CTN-DCODS’ members represent the relevant areas of ocean science, involving the Academia, Private sector, and the Government trough the participation of its Ministries and public entities. Additionally, and what it’s relevant about the CTN-DCODS, is the incorporation of different mechanisms that coordinates the national actions and programs related to the ocean, such as the National Committee of Ocean Education.
Currently, the CTN-DCODS is developing an action plan that will set the path towards the implementation of the Decade, encompassing the actions needed to ensure the comprehension of the human and ocean interaction.
In commemoration of the Decade and the national commitment to it, a launch event was held in April of 2021, you can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYq1WatoHKc
For more information about the CTN-DCODS: https://cco.gov.co/decenio-de-las-ciencias-oceanicas-para-el-desarrollo-sostenible-2021-2030.html
Contact point:
Ms. Santiago Bolañoz Barrera
Colombian Ocean Commission
Email: internacional3@cco.gov.coWatch the event.
Mexico
Contact Point:
Guillermo Antonio Solís Sánches | Email: guillermo.solis@sems.gob.mx
United States of America
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened the U.S. National Committee (USNC) in May 2020 to support U.S. contributions to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Committee’s activities are sponsored by the U.S. federal ocean agencies and the National Academies. The membership (Meet the Committee) includes experts from various sectors covering a broad range of ocean issues and four Early Career Liaisons.
The USNC serves as the organizational center for U.S. contributions to the UN Ocean Decade. The USNC convenes meetings and disseminates information regarding Decade events to the broad range of ocean stakeholders. Outreach activities include a newsletter, calendar, and establishment of the U.S. Nexus to provide a mechanism for ocean organizations to share and participate in Ocean Decade activities. In addition, the USNC issued a call for “Ocean-Shots”, defined as transformational research concepts, and received over 100 submissions. Ocean-Shots and other resources are available at www.nationalacademies.org/oceandecadeus. A launch meeting was held in February 2021 to introduce U.S. efforts and feature the first round of Ocean-Shot submissions. The USNC continues to support further development of Ocean-Shot concepts to encourage sponsorship and advance progress on the Ocean Decade Challenges.
Website: The U.S. National Decade Committee
Contact point:
Leighann Martin | Email: LMartin@nas.edu
- Asia
China
Contact Point:
Email: zhangzhanhai@pric.org.cn
India
Contact Point:
Dr. Srinivas Kumar | Email: srinivas@incois.gov.in
Indonesia
Contact point:
Zainal Arifin | Email: iocunesco@brin.go.id
Islamique Républic of Iran
Contact Point:
Dr Morteza TAVAKOLI | Email: inioas@inio.ac.ir
Japan
The Japan National Committee of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development was officially launched on Feb 25 2021. Members of the National Committee are drawn from academia, non-profits, government employees, and industry, comprising a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple groups relevant to the Decade. The Committee published a booklet “Japan’s Initiatives for UN Decade of Ocean Science”.
Website: https://oceandecade.jp/en/
Contact point:
Tomohiko Tsunoda
Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Email: t-tsunoda@spf.or.jpYutaka Michida
University of Tokyo
Email: ymichida@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jpOman
Contact Point
Mr. Ahmed Moosa Al Balushi | Email: ahmed.moosa@moe.om
Republic of Korea
Contact Point:
Kim, Jun Hyung | Email: kim.junhyung@kiost.ac.kr
Thailand
Contact Point:
Suree Satapoomin | Email: s.satapoomin@gmail.com
Republic of Türkiye
Türkiye National Decade Committee is created in the first half of 2021 and works for gathering ideas and catalyzing support for the Decade. Members of the National Committee are comprised a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple agencies and institutes relevant to the Decade. It is drawn from universities, ministries and scientific experts. These experts are largely drawn from the marine sciences communities. The Committee held a kick-off event in 24 August 2021 with participation from different sectors for supporting and announcing the Decade.
Some generic information about the Decade on our official website: https://www.shodb.gov.tr/shodb_esas/index.php/tr/ (in Turkish)
Contact point:
Dr. Emre TÜKENMEZ
Email: etukenmez@shodb.gov.tr
- Europe
Belgium
The National Decade Committee for Belgium was officially established on 2 December 2022. It is composed of a core group and an open group as a sounding board. The core group aims for a balanced representation (federal, Flanders, Wallonia, politics, research, industry, NGOs, education…) to serve as a central hub linking and engaging national and local actors involved in the Oceans Decade. Aiming to promote “transformative and demand-driven” actions on the challenges of the Oceans Decade and to facilitate the contributions and involvement of local and national actors.
Core group members list here.
For the latest news by NDC-BE, follow the group: National Decade Committee for Belgium (NDC-BE) | The Ocean Decade
Are you based in Belgium and are participating in an Ocean Decade Action? Need guidance or you want to make the most of the Ocean Decade momentum? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet (Focal point, co-chair of core group)
Sophie Mirgaux (Chair of core group)
Juana Jimenez (NDC Secretariat)Contact Point:
Email: oceandecade@vliz.be
Denmark, Greenland and Faroe Islands
Contact Point:
Steffen Malskaer Olsen | Email: smo@dmi.dk
Finland
The committee was established 2.6.2021.The task of the Finnish National Committee is to draft a plan of actions for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in Finland and to coordinate its implementation.
Download the Finnish National Implementation Plan for the Ocean Decade
Contact Points:
Chair:
Jussi Soramäki (Mr)
Senior ministerial advisor, Maritime policy, Government Strategy Department
1st Secretary:
Hermanni Kaartokallio (Dr)
Leading scientist, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)
Kaartokallio Hermanni: Hermanni.Kaartokallio@syke.fi
2nd Secretary :
Jaakko Seppänen (Dr)
Researcher, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
Seppänen Jaakko (FMI): jaakko.seppanen@fmi.fi
France
The French National Decade Committee was launched on 7 December 2021. It brings together scientists, academics, representatives from the Government, civil society, NGOs, private sector companies, etc. in marine science and technology, thus covering many areas of expertise. Its role is to coordinate national activities as part of the Ocean Decade, to mobilize the French marine science and technology community to take part to the Decade, to disseminate information and to provide documentary resources on the challenges and issues of the Decade to the various stakeholders and citizens in order to rally them and motivate them to get involved in Decade activities.
Contact point:
Aurélie Chamiot-Prieur
Commission nationale pour la Commission Océanographique Intergouvernementale
Email: aurelie.chamiot-prieur@developpement-durable.gouv.frWebsite: Commission Océanographique Intergouvernementale
Germany
The National Committee (Ozean Dekadenkomitee) was created in the second half of 2020, allowing National Committee members to engage and shape the evolution of the Decade and its implementation in Germany early in the process. The Committee was formally established by the German IOC committee and members of the National Committee were drawn by an open application process from academia, non-profits, government, policy, early careers and industry, comprising a well-rounded body of expertise across multiple groups relevant to the Decade.
The National Committee will hold its launch meeting in June 2021 after the international launch event with the ambition to promote the Decade in Germany and engage participation from all sectors. The National Committee is developing a national action plan and established eight subgroups to facilitate engagement and action towards the Decade objectives. The National Committee website features some generic information about the Decade and will increasingly incorporate announcements made by the National Committee Members, upcoming events, opportunities for early-career professional and youth involvement, Q&A features of those engaged with the Decade, and a list of National Committee members.
Website: Ozean Dekadenkomitee
Link to List of MembersContact points:
Co-Chairs: Gesine Meißner (former MEP), Prof.Dr. Martin Visbeck
Email: info@ozeandekade.deItaly
The National Committee was created in the second half of 2021, allowing its members to engage and shape the evolution of the Decade and its implementation in Italy early in the process. The Comitato Nazionale Per il Decennio del Mare in Italia (CND-IT) promotes the objectives and opportunities of the UN Ocean Decade, encouraging and facilitating national contributions to Decade actions, also through the submission of proposals. It favours the participation of different typologies of stakeholders (including Academy, institutions Public, companies, associations and civil society) and free access to information and data, decision-making instruments based on science and / or opportunities for knowledge transfer and development of skills.
List of endorsed Decade Actions submitted by Italian Organisations:
- IT-NAVY HIGH NORTH PROGRAM
- The Science We Need for the Mediterranean Sea We Want
- The Current III “The Mediterraneans: “Thus waves come in pairs”
- CoastPredict – Observing and Predicting the Global Coastal Ocean
- Digital innovation Hand-in-Hand with fisheries and ecosystems scientific monitoring
- Ocean Literacy With All (OLWA): the change we need for the ocean we want
Contact point:
Rosalia Santoleri
Italian Oceanographic Commission
Email: segreteria.coi@cnr.itWebsite: https://decenniodelmare.it
Norway
The National Committee of Norway was established on World Ocean’s Day in 2021. The committee represents central ocean communities in Norway, drawn from the fields of research, business sector, NGOs, communication, and public sphere.
The committee’s work builds on a plan for national Ocean Decade priorities. The priorities were formed by an expert group and launched in October 2020 with the document “The UN Decade of Ocean Science. Proposed priority areas for Norway”.
The proposed priority areas are:
- Climate and environment interactions
- Holistic ocean governance
- Healthy and safe seafood for all
- Renewable energy from the ocean
- Environmentally friendly maritime transport
- An ocean of data
- Who owns the ocean?
- Keeping the Artic as one
- Global ocean economy and development aid
- Everyone understands the ocean!
For the coming period the committees work is centered around activities that increases awareness of, and mobilizes to, the Ocean Decade, with special emphasis on the business sector. Ocean Literacy is also a central area for the committee with several planned activities ahead.
Read more about the committee: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/about-the-research-council/Portfolios/Oceans/UN-Ocean-Science/norwegian-un-ocean-decade-national-committee/
Read the national priority plan: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/about-the-research-council/Portfolios/Oceans/UN-Ocean-Science/the-decade-of-ocean-science-in-norway/
Website: The Research Council of Norway’s Ocean Secretariat
Link to proposed priority areas for Norwegian efforts.
Contact point:
Kjersti Fjalestad
The Research Council of Norway’s Ocean Secretariat
Email: ktf@rcn.noRussian Federation
Contact Point:
Natalia Golubeva
Email: golubevani@minobrnauki.gov.ru
Slovenia
The Slovenian National Decade Committee has been established and approved by the Slovenian National Commission of UNESCO at its meeting on August 2, 2021.
The National Decade Committee (NDC) acts as an expert and advisory body for the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. The tasks of the NDC include in particular:
– advising the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO on issues related to the UN Ocean Decade 2021-2030: Oceanography for Sustainable Development;
– proposing and coordinating programmes and activities in the framework of the Ocean Decade (in cooperation with the National Committee of the IOC and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO);
– bringing together national stakeholders and coordinating their proposals for the Ocean Decade;
– ensuring the implementation of the adopted Ocean Decade Action Programme (in cooperation with the IOC National Committee and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO);
– participating in international activities of the Ocean Decade;
– ensuring publicity of the Ocean Decade among the interested public (in cooperation with the National Committee of the IOC and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO).The NDC reports annually on its work to the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. The term of office of the NDC members is for the duration of the Ocean Decade, 2021-2030.
Contact Point:
Vesna FLANDER-PUTRLE, PhD
Email: vesna.flanderputrle@nib.si
Spain
Contact Point:
Mr Rafael GONZÁLEZ-QUIRÓS FERNÁNDEZ
Email: deceniocienciaoceano@ieo.es
Sweden
In 2021 the Swedish government commissioned Formas, a government research council for sustainable development, to establish and host the National Committee for the Decade. The members in the committee represent national agencies of relevance for ocean, waters, polar regions, climate and international cooperation, marine researchers and NGOs. The largest annual event takes place on World Ocean Day, that will be arranged for the third time, June 8th 2022.
In parallel, the government has also commissioned Formas to carry out a 10-year national research program on ocean and waters that will enable synergies with implementation of the Decade.
Sweden will contribute to the implementation of the Decade, nationally and internationally by:
- Strengthen cooperation between different actors in marine research and innovation.
- Strengthen the coordination of investments in marine research and innovation.
- Disseminate, make available and utilize research and innovation generated by the Decade.
- Raise knowledge and awareness of the significance of the seas and ocean.
- Develop exchanges and collaborations between Swedish and international actors and initiatives.
- Continue to be a committed member of the IOC- Unesco
Information about the committee and activities are presented on a website. National Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science
Contact point:
John Tumpane | Email: john.tumpane@formas.se
United Kingdom
The UK’s National Decade Committee is in the process of being formed. Its membership is comprised of members from UK’s Government and Devolved Administrations, and across the ocean science community, representing a range of sectors. The membership will embrace the breadth of ocean science, including the humanities, arts, health and social research and incorporate early career researchers. The Committee aims to promote and enable a whole of UK society approach to the Ocean Decade. It will support and work with UK Government and their representatives to the IOC, to engage the ocean science community and broader society and to inspire them to develop opportunities within the Decade. The National Committee will hold a launch meeting later in 2022. UK researchers and institutions are contributing to a variety of Ocean Decade Actions including Marine.Science, Joint Exploration of the Twilight Zone Ocean Network, Digital Twins of the Ocean and Seabed 2030.
Contact Point:
- Oceania
New Zealand
The New Zealand Reference Group on the Decade of Ocean Science was established in October 2020 to advise on New Zealand’s contribution to the Decade and to connect the National Commission to relevant networks. In May 2021, the Reference Group was reconstituted as the Aotearoa New Zealand National Decade Committee.
The membership is drawn from across the Aotearoa ocean sector including western scientists, indigenous knowledge specialists, government representatives and youth representatives.
A Decade launch event was hosted at the New Zealand Parliament on UN World Oceans Day in 2021 with a range of presentations about ocean science in New Zealand:
NZ launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – Schannel van Dijken – YouTube
NZ Launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – João De Souza – YouTube
NZ launch of UN Decade of Ocean Science – Dr Bill Fry – YouTube
NZ Launch of UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE – Anne Sophie Pagé – YouTube
The Committee supports domestic activities, acts as a link between national and international activities and engages stakeholders with the Decade. It has contributed to the virtual lab series and aligning NZ/Pacific projects with endorsed Decade programmes. It also works with Pacific Ocean Science Regional Hub.
In New Zealand, ocean science draws from many knowledges and practices including values and world views of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and the Pacific. Weaving these knowledge systems into our contribution to the Decade has generated a distinctive multidisciplinary approach to our work.
The website Te Tini a Tangaroa is an online search tool to connect audiences with ocean science currently underway in New Zealand and to showcase the importance of indigenous knowledge.
Contact point:
Silke Bieda