THE UN OCEAN DECADE
The United Nations Decade of Oceans is an international call for joint research projects, actions and information campaigns with the goal of creating a healthy and sustainably managed ocean by 2030. To move from the current state (the ocean we have) to the desired state (the ocean we want), there is an internationally agreed hierarchy of goals (objectives) and aligned tasks (challenges). At the start of the Ocean Decade 2021, an Implementation plan was developed that describes the organizational structures and operations of the global UN Ocean Decade, in addition to its goals and challenges.
Ocean Decade Goals
The UN Decade of Oceans aims to achieve a sustainable future in the management of the ocean. Transformative solutions for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean are to be developed across disciplines and countries. International coordination was used to work out how the international community would like to see the ocean by 2030.
1. Clean Ocean
A clean ocean in which the sources of pollution are known and inputs are minimized. be reduced or eliminated.
Through our activities, we humans generate waste and pollutants that not only leave their mark on land, but also pollute the ocean. Plastic waste endangers marine life just as much as an increasing number of pollutants, munitions waste or too many nutrients. This can cause massive damage to ecosystems and impair their functions. Knowledge about the sources of pollution is the basis for reducing or preventing inputs.
2. Healthy and Resilient Ocean
A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are understood, protected, restored and managed appropriately.
Many of our activities on land and in the sea affect biodiversity and marine habitats. Added to this are the effects of climate change. We need to better understand what this means for the ecosystems as a whole through targeted research in order to use coastal and marine habitats sustainably and protect or restore them effectively.
3. Productive Ocean
A productive ocean that will continue to provide food in the future and enable a sustainable marine economy.
The diversity of marine life in healthy and productive ecosystems
is an important source of livelihood for people and the foundation for a sustainable marine economy. It is crucial to develop and apply instruments to restore fish stocks, make fisheries and aquaculture sustainable and
preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. The ocean is used by a variety of established and emerging industries, such as resource extraction, energy production, tourism
and transportation. Governments need sound information to promote and manage a sustainable maritime economy.
4. Predictable Ocean
A predictable ocean whose functioning and changes are so well understood,
that society can react appropriately.
Science has already discovered a great deal about the coasts and oceans. However, climate change, increasing utilization pressure and
Pollution leads to sometimes massive changes in ecosystems, which place new demands on ocean observation and research. How are the physical, chemical and biological systems of the ocean changing? How do the ocean and atmosphere influence each other? How is the ice cover in the polar regions changing? A better understanding of how the ocean works and how it is changing is fundamental to making societies and their economies fit for the future.
5. Safe Ocean
A safe ocean in which our lives and livelihoods are protected from marine natural hazards.are protected.
Heat waves in the sea, storm surges, tsunamis and other extreme events
threaten coastal communities, societies and economies, as does the spread of invasive species or the impoverishment of ecosystems in the ocean. In order to recognize and counter these threats in good time, data is needed that ranges from point-in-time real-time data to long time series. On this basis, effective early warning and
information systems so that protective measures can be taken in good time.
6. Accessible Ocean
An accessible ocean, which we can create with open and equitable access to data, information andtechnologies and innovations.
Access to the results of marine research is still unevenly distributed worldwide: In order to facilitate the collection of data, access to knowledge and technological developments, especially in emerging and developing countries, and
small island states, the necessary framework conditions, financial resources and capabilities must be supported and strengthened there. Education and science are key factors for social development; access to relevant knowledge significantly improves management, innovation and decision-making skills in terms of sustainable development.
7. Inspiring Ocean
An inspiring ocean that is perceived as a place of wonder and inspiration and whose importance for the well-being of mankind is appreciated.
In order to promote sustainable behavior and ensure effective implementation of solutions in society, people need to understand the profound and diverse significance of the ocean for each individual and for life on earth. Art and culture play just as important a role as education, communication and participation.
Challenges of the Ocean Decade
Based on the seven goals of the Ocean Decade, ten challenges were identified as areas of work that need to be addressed globally. These challenges can only be successfully met if all parts of society work together on science-based solutions.
Challenge 2: Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity
Challenge 4: Sustainable and fair maritime economy
Challenge 5: Ocean and Climate Change
Challenge 7: Global Ocean Observing System
Implementation of the Ocean Decade
In the Implementation plan of the Ocean Decade, the United Nations has defined different formats to enable the goals of the Ocean Decade to be achieved at different levels. A distinction is made between Actions (Programs and Projects), Activities and Contributions.
Actions, i.e. programs and projects (programs and projects), are large-scale initiatives carried out at the global or regional level to help address one or more of the challenges of the Ocean Decade. They are long-term, multi-year, and usually interdisciplinary and multinational. They should consist of subprojects, which may be fully or partially defined at the time of grant. Projects are targeted undertakings. They can be regional, national or sub-national and usually contribute to a specific program of the Ocean Decade. Once adopted, programs and projects receive guidance on how to use the logo. Programs and projects will be announced every six months throughout the Decade through calls for Decade Actions. The 6th call for actions is currently underway: Decade Actions No. 06/2023
Activities are one-off events, webinars, conferences, workshops, publications and occasionally creative outputs such as poster competitions. They usually last between 1 and 28 days and last a maximum of one year. Here you can register your activity as part of the UN Ocean Decade and apply to use the Ocean Decade logo for it. Accepted events will be listed in the Forum of the Ocean Decade published.
Contributions are accepted on an ongoing basis and at any time. Contributions are in-kind or financial contributions to the coordination functions of the Decade (Decade Collaborative Centers or Decade Implementing Partners) or to specific Decade actions. Concrete contributions should be discussed with the international Decade Office at oceandecade@unesco.org. Once the contribution is accepted, the logo may be used by the contributors.
You can find more information on the international website of the UN Decade of Oceans.
More Information
Documents from the international context as PDF downloads
History of the UN Ocean Decade
The UN Ocean Decade, which runs as an international framework program from 2021 to 2030, is the result of a lengthy preparatory process. We have summarized the important stages of this process here.
Implementation plan
The Implementation plan of the Ocean Decade was published in 2021. It describes the goals, implementation, organizational structures and working methods of the global UN Ocean Decade.
Sustainable Development Goal # 14: Life Below Water
Preserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development is anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as "SDG 14: Life below water." The fact sheet summarizes background information and possible solutions.
