Map of the Week – United Nations Ocean Decade Conference and European Union Mission to Restore our Ocean and Waters
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference , held on 10-12 April 2024 in Barcelona (Spain), marked a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards a sustainable ocean future for 2030 and beyond. It brought together over 1,500 participants from 124 countries and over 3,000 online viewers, and was the culmination of Ocean Decade Week with 120 Satellite Events (April 8-12). [1] With the theme “Delivering the science we need for the ocean we want”, the conference underscored the importance of transformative ocean science in shaping solutions to global challenges. Embracing inclusivity and equity, it served as a platform to facilitate diverse groups in co-designing and co-delivering processes crucial for progress. An integral outcome of the conference is the forthcoming publication of white papers addressing the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges , which shall guide future priorities, generating science-based solutions for global challenges, such as climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, sustainable ocean economy, pollution and natural hazards.
In parallel, the “EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters” aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable development (Ocean Decade ), working towards shared targets for ocean sustainability to be achieved by 2030. Through research, innovation, citizen engagement, and blue investments, this mission aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters. It aligns with broader goals of achieving climate neutrality and restoring nature. To facilitate these objectives, cross-cutting enabling actions are underway, including broad public mobilisation and engagement, and a Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System (Digital Twin Ocean). The map of this week shows the distribution of endorsed Mission Actions across Europe. Zoom in and click on the lighthouses to learn more about the joint efforts to achieve the three objectives of the Mission to protect and restore marine and freshwater biodiversity, combat oceanic pollution, and foster a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy. These joint efforts reflect a commitment to tangible actions, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for our ocean and waters by 2030.
The Ocean connects us all. Would you like to know more, and even play a part in the process to transform ocean science and management?
- Read all the highlights from the UN Ocean Decade Conference 2024 and the Barcelona Statement which identifies priority areas for action for the Ocean Decade in the coming years;
- Learn more about the United Nations Ocean Decade and Vision 2030 process;
- Participate in shaping the future of our ocean by sharing your feedback on the Draft Outcomes Report and White Papers of Ocean Decade Vision 2030 by 26 April 2024;
- Read the joint roadmap adopted by the European Commission's Directorate General Research and Innovation (DG RTD) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) at the Ocean Decade Conference. This roadmap further strengthens cooperation, contributing to the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the 2030 objectives of the European Green Deal;
- Discover the details of the Mission actions and join the Mission Charter;
- how the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), which powers the European Atlas of the Seas, supports the “EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters 2030”;
- Connect to UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Ocean Literacy Portal ;
- If you are in Brussels on 25-26 April, make sure to visit the ‘Science is Wonderful!’ science fair! The EU4Ocean Coalition for ocean literacy and the European Atlas of the Seas will be there! Join us at the science booth n° 6 “Let’s protect our ocean!”.
The data in this map is provided by the European Commission.