Ocean Education & Science: Global Issues & Action
- The upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, will highlight the critical need for greater understanding, investment, and thankfulness of the world’s oceans.
- This year's conference coincides with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable development (2021-2030), a period emphasizing collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote ocean research.
- A key focus will be strengthening global data collection to better understand the oceans and the impacts of climate change.
The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, is set to spotlight the urgent need for global action on ocean education and science. With a focus on conservation and lasting practices, this year’s conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Discussions will center on bolstering scientific research, including ocean floor mapping, and enhancing global education efforts. UNESCO leads the charge with new initiatives,such as mobilizing ships for data collection and expanding ocean literacy programs through the SEA BEYOND initiative and a new multi-partner trust fund. News Directory 3 understands these critical efforts. Discover how these vital strategies will shape our oceans’ future.
UN ocean Conference Spotlights ocean Education and Science
The upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, will highlight the critical need for greater understanding, investment, and thankfulness of the world’s oceans. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica from June 9-13, the conference aims to galvanize global action for ocean conservation and enduring use.
This year’s conference coincides with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable development (2021-2030), a period emphasizing collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote ocean research. UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is overseeing the Ocean decade.
A key focus will be strengthening global data collection to better understand the oceans and the impacts of climate change. Julian Barbiere, head of Marine Policy at UNESCO, said science-based discussions will be central to the conference, including scaling up ocean-floor mapping efforts.Currently, only 26.1% of the seafloor has been mapped using modern methods, with a goal of 100% by 2030.
Joanna Post,head of the IOC’s Ocean Observations and Services,stressed the importance of recognizing the critical role of ocean observation systems in weather monitoring,maritime security,and disaster risk management.She announced a new initiative to mobilize at least 10,000 commercial and research ships to collect and share ocean data.
UNESCO’s agenda also prioritizes strengthening global ocean education efforts. Francesca Santoro, a senior program officer at UNESCO, emphasized that education is not just for students but also for private investors.
UNESCO aims to expand networks of schools and educators incorporating ocean literacy into their curricula. The SEA BEYOND initiative, in partnership with the Prada Group, provides training to over 20,000 students in more than 50 countries. A new multi-partner trust fund will be launched at UNOC3 on June 9 to support ocean education and preserve ocean culture.
Henrik Enevoldsen, from UNESCO-IOC’s Center of Ocean Science, noted that human activity, including pollution, “directly threatens” ocean health. A new global assessment on marine pollution, led by UNESCO and the UN Surroundings Programme (UNEP), will be launched on june 12.
“Education is key if we want to have a new generation that is aware of the importance of the ocean system,” said Francesca santoro,a senior programme officer in UNESCO.
What’s next
The UN Ocean Conference is expected to produce new commitments and partnerships aimed at advancing ocean conservation, promoting sustainable practices, and increasing public awareness of the importance of healthy oceans.