Decade of Ocean (2021-2030) confirmed by the United Nations
In an effort to unite the scientific community and enhance international coordination and cooperation in research for better management of oceans and coastal zone resources, the United Nations declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development”
Spearheaded by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Decade of Ocean will tackle sustainable ways on how to improve research and administration of oceans and aquatic resources as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The ocean is a new frontier—it covers 71 per cent of the globe [but] we have explored less than 5 per cent. The Decade will ensure greater coordination of research,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said.
Oceans play an important role in terms of combating climate change. Not only it serves as a component for ecological balance, but absorbs around a third of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by humans and is highly critical for their survival. An estimate three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity to meet their needs.
However, events such as pollution and acidification brought by man-made activities and warming affect the ability of oceans to provide life. Adding to the problem is the expensive equipment such as satellite imagery and remote controlled vehicles which are required for experimentation and analyzation of marine environments.
“One of the priorities of the Decade will be to strengthen and diversify financial sources, particularly for Small Island Developing States and least developed countries,” UNESCO said. “This Decade, will provide a framework for international coordination and partnership to reinforce research capacities in marine sciences and the transfer of technology,”
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