SOS endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)—known as the Ocean Decade—is a global initiative to advance ocean science and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. SOS has been endorsed as an Ocean Decade Action, making the Centre an official part of this worldwide movement.
We are proud to announce that the Centre for Sustainable Ocean Science (SOS) has been officially endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action—a recognition that joins us in a global network working together to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.
Launched in January 2021, the Ocean Decade (the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030) is a framework for action with the aim of triggering nothing less than a revolution in ocean science. Coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Ocean Decade brings together and mobilizes the scientific community, policymakers, businesses, and civil society to generate the knowledge and partnerships needed to support a healthy and resilient ocean.
The vision of the Ocean Decade is “the science we need for the ocean we want.” The mission is to catalyze transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean, in order to advance the broader UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
Ten Years, Ten Challenges
The Ocean Decade focuses on ten key challenges that articulate its most immediate priorities:
- Understand and beat marine pollution
- Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity
- Sustainably nourish the global population
- Develop a sustainable, resilient and equitable ocean economy
- Unlock ocean-based solutions to climate change
- Increase community resilience to ocean and coastal risks
- Sustainably expand the Global Ocean Observing System
- Create a digital representation of the ocean
- Skills, knowledge, technology and participation for all
- Restore humanity’s relationship with the ocean
By collectively aligning research, investments and initiatives around these Ocean Decade Challenges, the aim is to spark a transformation in how we understand and care for the ocean. Currently, the Ocean Decade includes over 60 large-scale programmes and over 700 endorsed projects and contributions worldwide.
Ocean Decade Actions
Endorsed Ocean Decade Actions are the specific initiatives carried out across the world that have been officially recognized as part of the UN Ocean Decade framework. These actions are aligned with the Decade’s vision and contribute to its goals. An Ocean Decade Action can take various forms, including:
- Programmes: Large-scale, long-term initiatives involving multiple projects
- Projects: Discrete and focused undertakings, typically hosted under a programme
- Contributions: Financial or in-kind support
- Activities: One-off initiatives such as events, publications, or training opportunities
SOS is endorsed as an Ocean Decade Project under the programme Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS), led by Ocean Visions. This endorsement is a recognition that SOS will play a central role in supporting the Ocean Decade mission.
Decade Actions are solicited through Calls for Decade Actions twice a year. While the Ocean Decade is not a funding body, endorsed Actions benefit from increased visibility, collaboration opportunities, and support that can help unlock new resources.
Follow the Ocean Decade work and learn how to join the movement at https://oceandecade.org/ !
