The solution to reversing the decline in ocean health while meeting growing demands for ocean resources—such as sustainable seafood, deep-sea minerals, renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology—will be found in science. Case studies have shown clear economic benefits for investing in a broad range of ocean science and infrastructure. Yet, at the midpoint of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, investment remains insufficient. Reports estimate that $175bn per year is needed to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on the ocean by 2030, making it the least funded of all SDGs. One challenge is the absence of a standardised framework for tracking ocean science investment, which could provide a transparent, long-term evidence base for returns.
Participants at this “How to” session examined the current landscape of ocean science investment across sectors, highlighting cases with notable returns. Discussions focused on how to overcome barriers to greater investment, how to address the needs of the scientific community and how to create new opportunities for funding. The session also explored what a new investment-tracking framework might require to improve data collection and decision-making. Attendees left with practical insights into how to build a stronger case for ocean science investment, how to engage and empower more investors and how to foster collaboration for a resilient and innovative ocean science future.
Speakers:
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- Moderator: Suzanne Johnson, senior adviser, United Nations Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition
- Alex Rogers, deputy director strategic science programmes and partnerships, National Oceanography Centre
- Torsten Thiele, founder, Global Ocean Trust
- Alison Clausen, programme specialist, marine policy and regional coordination section, IOC-UNESCO
Session report: How to unlock greater investment in ocean science and infrastructure
Discover how this “How to” session examined the current landscape of ocean science investment across sectors, highlighting cases with notable returns.