Covering over two-thirds of our blue planet, the ocean makes it habitable. It is at the origin of all life on Earth and affects each of our lives: it is the source of our freshwater and of half the oxygen we breathe; it also influences our climate and weather. Our ocean provides food, medicine, and mineral and energy resources. It supports a multitude of life forms and shapes the Earth’s characteristics.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) is working to improve responses to the unprecedented environmental changes and human impacts now occurring and to promote ocean health via marine sciences. Much regard is given to Africa as well as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) where livelihoods depend heavily on marine resources.

UNESCO Office in New York focuses on promoting the vital role of ocean health for human wellbeing, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the critical need to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

In particular, Sustainable Development Goal 14 calls for, inter alia, “increase of scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries. “

The UNESCO Office in New York hence promotes the work of UNESO- IOC in this regard and acts as a platform for the exchange of views and information between scientists, policy-makers and civil society on the issues pertaining to sustainable ocean and marine knowledge, practices , technology and innovation.

For more information contact: Ana Persic, Science Specialist, a.persic(at)unesco.org