In December 2017, the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2021-2030 as “the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” (“Ocean Decade”) through the Resolution A/RES/72/73. In December 2020, the 75th session of the UNGA deliberated and approved the Implementation Plan for the Ocean Decade through the Resolution A/RES/75/239. The Ocean Decade aims to catalyze a profound revolution in marine science and provide science-based solutions for global, regional, national and local ocean management. It will reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create improved conditions for sustainable development of the ocean, finally fulfilling the vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”. The Ocean Decade will promote actions from all sectors of society to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is an important UN resolution to promote sustainable ocean development and the most important global marine science initiative in the coming decade. It will have a far-reaching impact on the development of marine science and global marine governance.

The Ocean Decade Action Framework (Source: from the IOC-UNESCO Decade Action Plan, 2020.)

If you want to find out more about the Ocean Decade, please visit: www.oceandecade.org.