In December 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). This decision represents a consensus by the global community on the importance, necessity and key role of ocean science and observations for ocean stewardship and society as a whole. The main motivation is to support efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create improved conditions for sustainable development of the ocean, seas and coasts.

The objectives of the Decade are:
(i) Knowledge of the ocean system
(ii) Evidence for ecosystems-based management and blue economy
(iii) Preparedness, response to and mitigation of ccean-related hazards
(iv) Cooperation in observation, data and other infrastructure
(v) Scientific and technical capacity and education
(vi) Enhanced cooperation, coordination, and communication.

It is important that the Decade builds recognition and engagement from within the Ocean Sciences community. This Town Hall seeks to raise awareness of the opportunities presented by the Decade, and to encourage the participation of EGU scientists in the planning stages of the Decade. The first half will present the Road Map for the planning process, and the second half will be an open discussion of ways in which ocean scientists in general, as well as the EGU Ocean Sciences Division, can work together to make the Decade a success.