The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want
The largest ecosystem we have on planet Earth is the ocean. It provides us with many benefits like stabilizing the climate, storing carbon, nurtures biodiversity, and support humans through food and energy resources, as well as by providing cultural and recreational services.
However, ocean science only accounts for between 0.04% and 4% of total government research and development expenditures worldwide.
This May 2021, not only we are celebrating the month of the ocean but also the start of a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). According to the United Nations, the Ocean Decades provides a common framework to ensure that ocean science can fully support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The main goal of the Ocean Decade is to bridge the gap in scientific knowledge, policy, and societal dialogues through community-based capacity development, information, communication, and research.
Through the Ocean Decade, the management of our ocean and coasts for the benefit of humanity will be strengthened and will provide a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity to make a foundation across the science-policy interface.
Reference:
The Science we Need for the Ocean We Want: The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Paris. 2020. 20 pp(English). IOC Brochure 2020–4 (IOC/BRO/2020/4)