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The science we need for the ocean we want

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 is a global recognition of the importance of harnessing, stimulating and coordinating research efforts at all levels to protect and manage the globe’s largest ecosystem – our Oceans.

This week, The Pacific Community Workshop for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development begins.  It is the first of eight global regional consultations focused on solution-oriented ocean science.

This meeting brings together more than 90 Pacific Ocean scientists, youth representatives, private sector, government, traditional knowledge holders, partner organisations and global partners driving the development of a relevant, robust and innovative way forward to understand, sustainably use and protect our ocean.

Why our Ocean matters

Our ocean regulates our climate, provides food security and employment for our people and affects our weather with more than 90% of the additional heat caused by global warming being stored within it.

This decade is for nations to work together to generate the ocean science needed to support the sustainable development of our shared ocean.  It is more than protecting our ocean for our people.  It is about protecting our culture and our traditional practices to ensure future generations are provided with a chance to live in a sustainable world.

UN Ocean Science Decade for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 Pacific Workshop | 23-25th July 2019 | Noumea, New Caledonia

This workshop is hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) and co-organized with the support from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as coordinating body for the Decade.

The Pacific Community Workshop offers a crucial opportunity to co-design mission-oriented research priorities in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Samoa Pathway, focusing on Pacific Small Island Developing States’ specific needs and priorities in terms of transforming knowledge systems; accelerating transfer of technology; empowering training and education; and a fresh approach to the science-policy interface.

SPC is the region’s hub for science, technology and innovation and ocean science is a key priority and SPC continues to work with member countries to ensure a Sustainable Future for the Blue Pacific.

In addition, SPC also recognises that ocean science and its importance for a sustainable future needs to be well understood and accessible for informed decision-making.

This three day consultation is an initiative of SPC’s Centre of Ocean Science (PCCOS) funded by the New Zealand Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

More information about the event available on this link