The #UNOceanDecade, spanning from 2021 to 2030, holds significant importance for several reasons:
#Preserving #MarineBiodiversity: The Ocean Decade aims to enhance understanding of marine ecosystems, promote conservation efforts, and safeguard biodiversity. Healthy oceans are vital for sustaining marine life and supporting ecosystem services that humans rely on.
#ClimateRegulation: #Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and heat. The Ocean Decade seeks to address ocean-related climate challenges, such as ocean acidification and sea-level rise, through research, mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
#SustainableDevelopment: The Decade aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs), particularly #Goal14: Life Below Water, by promoting sustainable ocean management practices, fostering blue economy initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to marine resources for present and future generations.
#OceanEconomy: Healthy oceans are essential for supporting industries such as fisheries, tourism, shipping, and renewable energy. By promoting sustainable practices and responsible governance, the Ocean Decade aims to unlock the economic potential of the ocean while safeguarding its health and productivity.
#Resilience and #Adaptation: The Ocean Decade seeks to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems to climate change impacts, natural disasters, and other stressors. This involves integrating scientific knowledge, traditional knowledge, and innovative solutions into adaptive management strategies.
#GlobalCooperation: The Decade provides a platform for international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among governments, researchers, civil society, and the private sector. Cooperation at the global level is essential for addressing transboundary ocean issues and achieving sustainable ocean governance.
#Cultural and #SocialSignificance: Oceans hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities worldwide. The Ocean Decade aims to raise awareness of the importance of oceans for cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, and traditional practices, fostering a deeper appreciation and stewardship of marine environments.
Overall, the UN Ocean Decade presents a critical opportunity to advance ocean science, policy, and management efforts, driving collective action towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our oceans and planet.
What is ocean science, and why do we need it?
The ocean sustains all life on Earth, and is the planet's largest ecosystem – yet we know very little about it. Ocean science is what will enable us to understand and protect this invaluable resource.
At the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference on 10-12 April, the global ocean community will gather to discuss the science we need for the ocean we want: https://lnkd.in/dpxFWDfi
#OceanDecade24
