Despite its tremendous value for both the planet and society, the Ocean and its resources have been seriously and unceasingly degraded by human activities, including overfishing, pollution and global warming.
The latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate warned the entire world about the devastating effects of climate change on the ocean, calling for immediate and drastic action to reverse the decline in the health of our planet. Among these devastating effects, global mean sea level could rise up to 110 cm by the end of this century, severely threatening the lives of the 680 million people that live in low-lying coastal areas. Warm water coral reefs could almost completely go extinct, and with them, the vital services they provide to society. Increase in temperature is expected to impact biodiversity, including fisheries, thereby challenging food security and jobs, especially in least developed countries and Small Island Developing States.
As the global population is set to reach more than 9 billion people by 2050, impacts on the ocean associated with human activities will only escalate. Understanding the variability of the ocean and the related impacts on our society will be of vital importance, if we want both nature and humankind to thrive.
In the wake of cataclysmic findings, we must commit to making informed decisions, based neither on whim nor populist measures, but on the best available scientific and traditional knowledge available.
However, to what extent is that knowledge available? The 2017 Global Ocean Science Report – flagship report published by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – found that ocean science accounts for only between 0.04% and 4% of total research and development expenditures worldwide.
A major change in how we finance and conduct ocean research is needed to help us understand and forecast the impacts of climate change, marine pollution and the degradation of the marine and coastal environments, and to use this knowledge to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and to create improved conditions for sustainable development.
Proclaimed by the United Nations on 5 December 2017, the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) will be the opportunity of a lifetime to make ocean science into the leading tool for sustainable development, and to unlock innovative solutions for a healthier, more resilient and sustainable ocean.
The vision for the Decade.
The Ocean Decade will foster action at all levels of society toward achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, through its seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than a scientific endeavor, the Decade aims to transforming society through science innovation and technology, with six concrete societal objectives:
- A clean ocean, where sources of pollution are identified and removed;
- A healthy and resilient ocean, where marine ecosystems are mapped and protected;
- A predicted ocean, where society has the capacity to understand current and future ocean conditions;
- A safe ocean, where people are protected from ocean hazards;
- A sustainably harvested and productive ocean, ensuring the provision of food supply;
- A transparent and accessible ocean, with open access to data, information and technologies.
Who will be part of the process?
While many countries benefit from sophisticated, cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, technology, and human capacity for science and innovation, the Global Ocean Science Report concluded that major disparities exist in national capacities around the world to undertake marine scientific research. A core objective of the Decade will be to leave no one behind, contributing to develop countries’ capacities to unblock sustainability solutions through ocean research, especially Small Island Developing States and the Least Developed Countries. From its conception, through its Preparatory Phase (2018-2020), into the actual Implementation Phase (2021-2030), the Decade will evolve as a participative and transformative process, facilitating mutual learning and creating stronger connections among a global ocean community.
The Decade will require the engagement of many different actors to create new ideas, solutions, partnerships and applications, while ensuring they will all benefit from these new advances for sustainable, mutually beneficial growth.
- Scientists will have the opportunity to demonstrate the value of their work to society, mobilizing greater investment in R&D.
- Policy-makers will benefit from the latest available knowledge to take informed action to move forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Businesses will develop and share new technologies to create solutions for ocean sustainability and to build a sustainable blue economy.
- Donors will support the development of ocean knowledge that meets the needs of society.
- Civil society will mobilize communities to help define social needs and priorities for ocean science.
- Citizens will be given the opportunity to contribute to data collection, information sharing and community mobilization, while benefitting from improved management of coastal resources, reduction of hazards and improved livelihoods.
How will the Decade support Sustainable Development?
The Decade will strengthen the international cooperation needed to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society. It will also contribute to existing international frameworks aimed at protecting the ocean and its resources, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the SAMOA Pathway in support of the Small Island Developing States, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Below are some the key societal applications of the new knowledge the Decade hopes to produce:
- Management of coastal zones, including through ecosystem-based approaches such as Marine Spatial Planning;
- Adaptation of coastal communities to climate change;
- Development of a Blue Economy;
- Establishment of marine protected areas;
- Management of fisheries, to achieve food security and ecosystem’s health;
- Development of national ocean policies;
- Development of national R&D strategies;
- Implementation of early warning systems for ocean-related hazards.
Coordinating the Decade: UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
The General Assembly of the United Nations has mandated UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) with the overall coordination of this groundbreaking initiative. The IOC is the United Nations body responsible for coordinating global ocean science and foster the development of ocean knowledge and capacities among its Member States. The IOC promotes international cooperation in the field of ocean observations, tsunami warnings, marine spatial planning, among others, for the protection of our shared ocean and the benefit of society. Tasked with the responsibility of bringing all concerned actors to the Decade table, the IOC is currently consulting with leading global experts in the field of ocean science, countries, regional organizations, civil society and businesses to ensure that, together, we can deliver the ocean we need for the future we want.
For more information on how to engage in the Decade, please visit www.oceandecade.org.
*This article was originally published on ECO Magazine