A new Decade Coordination Office (DCO) “Connecting People and Ocean” joins the global ecosystem of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (the ‘Ocean Decade’). Hosted by the IOC/UNESCO Project Office of the Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Italy, the DCO will coordinate Decade implementation for Ocean Decade Challenge 10.
The success of the UN Ocean Decade hinges on restoring humanity’s relationship with the ocean and recognising its intrinsic link to many major global issues such as the climate crisis, food security, human health, and the global economy. Challenge 10 aims to deepen understanding and empathy for the ocean, bridging cultural and historical values worldwide to co-design and co-deliver sustainable solutions to the problems and threats it faces.
Recognizing the significant role of Ocean Literacy in enhancing our understanding of the value of the ocean, the DCO will raise awareness and spark new initiatives to enhance the connections between human health and ocean health through collaboration with various stakeholders in the health and well-being dimension.
“To incite behaviour, change and ensure the success of initiatives developed under the Ocean Decade, we must take a significant leap in reshaping society’s connection with the ocean,” said Julian Barbière, Global Coordinator of the Ocean Decade and Head of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination at IOC/UNESCO. “The DCO for Connecting People and Ocean will lead this transformation by providing dedicated long-term support to coordinate Decade Actions for an inspiring and engaging ocean, where society understands and values the ocean in relation to human well-being and sustainable development.”
The DCO will play a pivotal role in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) in ocean science by supporting comprehensive and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The DCO will also work with partners around the world to promote the role of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in the Ocean Decade and ensure that the value of oceanic cultural heritage is fully recognised.
The DCO’s activities will include coordinating endorsed Decade Actions under Challenge 10 via a Community of Practice, identifying priorities and catalysing new Decade Actions to fill key gaps, and engaging stakeholders to achieve the collective impact of Challenge 10. It will also carry out communications and outreach activities and contribute to resource mobilisation and capacity development.
Learn more about Decade Coordination Offices.
For more information, please contact:
Ocean Decade Communications Team (oceandecade.comms@unesco.org)
***
About the Ocean Decade:
Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) seeks to stimulate ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the decline of the state of the ocean system and catalyse new opportunities for sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The UN General Assembly mandated UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.
About the IOC/UNESCO:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science and tsunami warning. The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress, the basis of peace and sustainable development.