Shaping our Future Ocean

In a novel approach to streaming an entire session day during the Member Assembly, the UNESCO-IOC celebrated Ocean Science Day on June 22, 2023, with a full day of lively discussions and insightful presentations. The event aimed to highlight the dynamic innovations in ocean science achieved through UNESCO programs and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Throughout the day, the UN Ocean Decade took center stage as the primary catalyst for groundbreaking initiatives to advance the field of ocean science and develop practical applications and products that contribute to sustainability. One of the key panels focused on “Generating and using science and knowledge for sustainable development.” Experts and leaders in action shared their experiences in implementing novel collaboration and engagement strategies. They also highlighted the transformative power of ocean science innovations in addressing tangible issues such as tsunami warnings and harmful algal blooms. Additionally, they discussed the development of new approaches to enhance interactions between scientific research and policymaking.

A major emphasis was placed on the development of effective and inspiring literacy programs for both the general public and practitioners. Steve Widdicombe, leader of the Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability program of the Ocean Decade, emphasized that the goal is not to make everyone an expert in ocean acidification: It is about empowering people with enough understanding so that they can make credible and effective decisions about how it might affect them.” Elisa Berdalet, head of the Harmful Algal Blooms Solution program, echoed this sentiment, stating that scientists should share their knowledge on specific topics while also learning from local populations and their historical knowledge.

The Ocean Decade stands out as an innovative platform due to its global approach to localized problems. Collaboration within the ocean research community is essential to finding common solutions and advancing sustainability worldwide. “There was a gap in how we approached our research,” stated Nadia Pinardi, director of the DCC-CR. “We needed to concentrate not only thematically, but also geographically, by looking at the global coastal ocean. We do not want to have any more fragmented knowledge, unused and unverifiable.” The establishment of a global network was also critical in advancing tsunami early warning systems in Indonesia after the 2004 events.

"However, all of these efforts are not beneficial unless we address the issue of sustainability," warned Dwikorita Karnawati, leader of the Tsunami Decade Program. It is essential to ensure that the knowledge generated, the individuals involved, and the government are prepared to utilize and implement the pool of expertise created. Peter Haugan from the Ocean Panel also emphasized that sustainability encompasses various dimensions, extending beyond environmental protection to incorporate issues like access and food provision.

Joseph Zelasney from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted the full support of the UN infrastructure for the Ocean Decade's efforts to pave the way for sustainable development in ocean environments. "We all have a duty and responsibility to engage because the Decade is here for all of us," he expressed.

If you did not connect during the livestream you can re-watch the full day programme on Youtube.