Shaping the future of ocean science: Ocean Decade annual progress report tells story of growth and impact

UNESCO-IOC

Shaping the future of ocean science: Ocean Decade annual progress report tells story of growth and impact

Shaping the future of ocean science: Ocean Decade annual progress report tells story of growth and impact 1920 2560 Ocean Decade

Shedding light on achievements and success stories, as well as remaining gaps and needs in ocean science, the latest progress report of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) reflects a year of transformation for the global ocean community.  

Click here to read the full report.

Coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and covering the period July 2023-June 2024, the report outlines key developments, the growing network of Decade Actions and coordination bodies, efforts in resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement and outreach.

2024 was marked by the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference and results of the Vision 2030 process, both significant milestones driving the Ocean Decade’s impact to new heights. Hosted by the Kingdom of Spain and co-organized with UNESCO-IOC, the Conference gathered over 2,600 ocean experts and advocates from over 120 countries in the coastal city of Barcelona. At the heart of discussions were the outcomes of the year-long Vision 2030 process, which outlines the future of the Ocean Decade and transformative actions for sustainable ocean management, and culminated in the release of the Barcelona Statement.

With over 500 Decade Actions in its portfolio, the Ocean Decade resonates and inspires communities in every corner of the world. By June 2024, a total of 56 Programmes, 401 Projects, and 99 Contributions across 66 countries had been endorsed by the Ocean Decade. These Decade Actions resulted in 29,700 capacity development initiatives and the creation of over 10,000 knowledge products, benefiting 260,000 individuals. Outreach and engagement also surged during this period, with the Ocean Decade’s website reaching over 6 million people and attracting 217,000 users globally.

“In the run-up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, this third Progress Report reflects our collective journey to inspire action and calls the ocean community to fully engage in the Decade’s global movement,” said Vidar Helgesen, UNESCO-IOC Executive Secretary. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners for sharing this pathway with us, supporting critical research, investments, and initiatives on the road to 2030.”

At the national level, 39 countries established National Decade Committees to mobilize national stakeholders around key priorities. Complementing these efforts, 11 Decade Collaborative Centres and Coordination Offices and 16 Decade Implementing Partners support the Ocean Decade by coordinating and catalyzing Decade Actions regionally and thematically.

As the Ocean Decade entered its next phase of implementation, it drew on the fresh perspectives and strategic guidance of the second cohort of the Decade Advisory Board. The 2023 Monaco Statement further strengthened the role of the philanthropic community in global ocean action. The Ocean Decade Alliance – a network of eminent partners – expanded to 11 Patrons and 19 institutional members, elevating the Ocean Decade’s global profile and fostering collaboration on funding initiatives.

These advancements amplified the voices of underrepresented groups, including women, Early Career Ocean Professionals, Indigenous communities, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

With the countdown to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, underway, the Ocean Decade will ensure that the areas of action outlined in the Barcelona Statement drive discussions and partnerships in 2025. This includes gearing up for the One Ocean Science Congress, a special event leading up to the Conference that will bring together scientists to deliver a comprehensive analysis of ocean health and recommendations for action to Heads of State and Government.

Click here to read the full report.

For more information, please contact:
Ocean Decade Communications Team (oceandecade.comms@unesco.org)

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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 UNESCO-IOC:

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) 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.

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