TM1 | From Barcelona to Nice and beyond: science and knowledge for action through the Ocean Decade

TM1

From Barcelona to Nice and beyond: science and knowledge for action through the Ocean Decade

Convener: Alison Clausen

Tue, 03 Jun, 12:45–13:45 (CEST)|Room 1

In the last four years the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has galvanized tens of thousands of individuals in arguably the largest ever coordinated global ocean science movement. Over 50 global programmes and close to 500 national and regional projects are contributing to the achievement of the ten Ocean Decade Challenges to achieve the Decade mission of transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development that connect humanity and the ocean.

The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference held in April 2024 was a milestone moment in the implementation of the Ocean Decade. Over 2,600 participants from 124 countries gathered in Barcelona, Spain to discuss priorities for the global ocean science and knowledge agenda. The outcomes of the Conference are captured in The Barcelona Statement and the Conference outcomes report and address: (i) science and knowledge priorities including actions to ensure uptake of science and knowledge to inform decision making, and (ii) cross-cutting and enabling conditions including resources, capacity, and the need for inclusivity, diversity and equity in ocean science and knowledge.

This Town Hall will explore the progress made since the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in implementing the recommendations and actions of The Barcelona Statement. It will highlight new scientific research initiatives including those responding to emerging issues identified as priority issues during the Conference, the impact and remaining challenges for science and knowledge to inform global policy frameworks, the measures adopted to enhance the role of co-design and Indigenous knowledge in decision making, and present the results of new analytical work to develop an evidence base to support sustained investment in ocean science.

Structured in the form of a moderated roundtable discussion that integrates space for interaction with the audience, the event will convene thought leaders and experts on diverse ocean science and knowledge issues to provide their perspectives on the remaining needs and emerging opportunities for ocean science to contribute to sustainable development, including the achievement of SDG14.

Held at the mid-point of implementation of the Ocean Decade, the event aims to demonstrate the evolution in ocean science and knowledge initiatives and approaches from the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference to the One Ocean Science Congress and 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference. It will trigger discussion and dialogue for continued collective action and priority setting looking forward for the remainder of the Decade including milestone moments such as the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference and 2028 United Nations Ocean Conference.