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
Published on 30 October 2023 | news
News item written by the team of the Decade Coordination Unit at UNESCO-IOC
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.
Title image © Ben Jones / Ocean Image Bank