Great news for a COST Action network looking at marine animal forests, one of the most extensive habitats on the planet.
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has officially endorsed the COST Action Marine Animal Forest of the World (MAF WORLD) as a UN Ocean Decade Action.
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), known as ‘The Ocean Decade’. The vision of the Ocean Decade is to provide transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and ocean. It brings together scientists, resource providers, governments, business and industry, philanthropic Foundations, UN agencies and many other stakeholders. The aim is to generate scientific knowledge and develop the partnerships needed to support a well-functioning, productive, resilient, and sustainable ocean.
“UN Ocean Decade is one of the most relevant global efforts to conserve marine ecosystems and a golden medal for those endorsed by it. We are recognised now because of our quality and excellence, and being part of COST Action gave us a more straightforward way to enter this high-level distinction.” Dr Sergio Rossi, MAF WORLD Action Chair
This recognition creates new opportunities for the MAF WORLD network, opening new doors where science, communication, networking, and conservation will contribute to “The Science we need for the Ocean We Want”, the UN Ocean Decade vision.
MAF WORLD serves this ambitious vision. The network aims to develop an integrative vision that will fuel research and steer future policies on crosscutting sustainability-driven issues related to the fragmented governance of these benthic ecosystems in ocean waters. MAF WORLD is also creating a transversal platform for partners across academia, policymaking, and civil society that offers inclusive spaces for a transdisciplinary dialogue. The network will also unify the protocols for restoring marine animal forests with nature-based solutions to face climate change, natural disasters, and food supply.
To be endorsed is an outstanding achievement for the network, enabling the MAF WORLD to develop and share the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to inspire future projects.
MAF WORLD highlights key elements considered as essential to succeed:
- Alignment of the COST Action Objectives with the Ocean’s Decade Mission and Challenges
- Have approved and secured funding for the period of the project
- Develop capacity building and new knowledge opportunities
- Strengthening existing networks
What it means to be endorsed for MAF WORLD?
This collaborative network of scientists and experts is creating new ways to produce ready-to-use tools as protocols for the management, restoration, and ecosystem services evaluation of marine animal forests. These tools will help manage and conserve these ecosystems in the current climate emergency framework.
“Within the Decade framework, we will be part of the program SmartNet (Sustainability of Marine Ecosystems through global knowledge networks), reinforcing the cluster of networks through the UN Ocean Decade program”, says the Action Chair, Dr Sergio Rossi. He adds, “finally, it means that conservation is not only a scientific duty but a commitment of all citizens; empowerment is needed, and we must work together to achieve it”.
This worldwide recognition will open and strengthen new opportunities. Thanks to the visibility, it will foster collaboration and knowledge by establishing new liaisons for the network. The evidence based and exploitation of results, will allow citizens and society to be part of the solution.
Dr Sergio Rossi, concludes, “people’s disconnection from nature is one of the main problems for adequate management of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Therefore, the MAF WORLD COST Action is especially focused on the academic world’s commitment to spreading the voice about one of the most extensive habitats on the planet, the marine animal forests.”
Additional information
Gone before known? Introducing Marine Animal Forest COST Action
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Article originally published here.