这个故事是 "GenOcean "活动的一部分--"GenOcean"活动是海洋十年的官方活动，它展示了十年行动、合作组织和海洋领袖，重点关注青年和公民科学机会，以帮助任何人、任何地方的人们改变海洋所需。
The ocean isn’t just a stunning backdrop for travel photos or a source of seafood, it’s a living, breathing climate ally that absorbs carbon, supports biodiversity, sustains communities and shapes our planet’s future. Yet, the systems that make this possible are under pressure from climate change, coastal development and habitat loss.
That’s where the Global Ocean Decade Programme for Blue Carbon (GO-BC) comes in: a global Ocean Decade programme designed to enhance our understanding of the ocean-climate nexus by advancing research, building scientific capacity and supporting evidence-based policy solutions that protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems across estuarine, coastal and open ocean environments.
GO-BC connects scientists, communities and policymakers to tackle some of the most pressing climate and ocean challenges of our time. It contributes to key Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by fostering global collaboration, expanding scientific knowledge and integrating this knowledge into real-world solutions.
“This is the first time that a truly global effort has been made to support this emerging science community,” says George Biddulph, GO-BC Secretariat and associate lecturer at the University of St. Andrews. “Unlike other initiatives, GO-BC offers an open multilateral approach to advancing blue carbon science and supports capacity building and early career researchers as well as influencing national and international policy.”
GO-BC also addresses three main Decade Challenges:
2 - 保护和恢复生态系统及生物多样性
5 - 找到应对气候变化的海洋解决方案
10 - 恢复社会与海洋的关系
But what does all this mean for younger generations, especially those passionate about making a real impact? GO-BC and its partner programmes are opening doors for young leaders to get involved in transformative ocean science and policy action.
Understanding Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Climate Ally
Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes, which play a vital role in capturing and holding carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Unlike most marine environments, these lush coastal zones sequester carbon both above and below ground — sometimes for centuries — making them powerful tools for climate mitigation and ecosystem resilience.
Yet despite their importance, the science, policy frameworks and community capacity needed to protect and restore these habitats are uneven globally. That’s why GO-BC supports scientific collaboration across borders, connects research to policy and builds capacity to ensure these ecosystems are an integral part of climate action plans everywhere.
“This Programme represents a new era in how we educate, connect and empower ocean science leaders,” says William Austin, GO-BC Coordinator and Professor at University of St. Andrews. “We are very much focused on highlighting the role of Blue Carbon as a solution that helps climate, people and nature.”
A Pathway into the Ocean Decade: Blue Carbon Science and Policy Summer Course
If you’re a student, early career researcher or young professional looking for a hands-on introduction to blue carbon science and policy and a way to plug directly into the Ocean Decade, the Blue Carbon Science and Policy Summer Course at the University of St Andrews in Scotland is one of the most tangible ways to get involved.
Offered through the University’s Blue Carbon Academy, this two-week programme blends:
- Fieldwork on real coastal sites along the Scottish coastline
- Lectures and seminars from leading international blue carbon scientists and policy experts
- Laboratory and data analysis training — including tools like GIS and R
- Hands-on engagement with pressing policy discussions and nature-based solutions
These field, laboratory, and classroom experiences are rooted in real data, facilitating students’ analytical skill development and ability to communicate science to policymakers and communities.
“Students also have the opportunity to explore how blue carbon science can shape policy and deliver positive outcomes for climate, people, and nature,” says Biddulph. “In 2026, we are extending the field-based training component and will include a residential field trip to the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Students tell us that they really enjoy gaining practical and hands-on experience in delivering blue carbon projects, so we have designed the course to translate their skills to any blue carbon project around the world.”
The course will take place from 六月 6-20, with a limited number of fully funded scholarships available (covering international travel, tuition, and accommodation), supported by GO-BC partner World Wildlife Fund. Students from all countries are encouraged to apply.
“In 2025, we recognised that there was a growing demand and opportunity to deliver accredited blue carbon training, and we were fortunate that the University of St Andrews was able to support the development and delivery of a new blue carbon summer programme,” says Austin. “As part of this programme, we recognise the value of training a new generation of blue carbon ocean leaders and are again delighted that the WWF has partnered with us to offer full scholarships to support participation from the global south.”
Your Next Step to Make a Difference
Whether your passion lies in research, policy, climate advocacy or community action, opportunities like the Blue Carbon Summer Course offer a launchpad into meaningful engagement with global ocean science.
By participating, you join a growing network of young ocean leaders, people who are not only learning about the ocean, but actively shaping how science informs climate solutions and coastal stewardship across the globe.
“What gives me hope when I think about the future of the ocean is the growing recognition of how essential it is to our planet and to people,” says Anoosha Zafar, a participant in the 2025 cohort. “While climate change continues to intensify pressures on marine ecosystems, I am encouraged by the commitment of countries, scientists, and coastal communities to reduce emissions, restore marine and coastal habitats, and work toward meaningful climate targets by 2030. These coordinated efforts, shaped by science and collaboration, show that we are not passive observers of change but active participants in protecting and rebuilding the resilience of our oceans. I believe we are taking real steps toward a better future for them.”
The ocean needs you. Whether you’re analyzing coastal carbon stocks, collaborating on policy briefs or sharing ocean science in your community, there’s a place for your voice in the ocean sector.
Learn more about the course here and the overall initiatives of the GO-BC here.
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