The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) presents a once-in a life time opportunity to deliver scientific knowledge and ensure that ocean science can fully support countries’ actions to sustainably manage the ocean and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As part of a global consultation process in preparation of the UN Decade, the Arctic workshop will provide opportunities to further discuss, prioritize and formulate proposals for Arctic initiatives to be framed under the UN Decade.
Thus, the workshop will address the six societal objectives of the Decade:
- Safe Ocean
- Sustainable & Productive Ocean
- Clean Ocean
- Transparent & Accessible Ocean
- Healthy & Resilient Ocean
- Predicted Ocean
Arctic temperatures are rising and effects like reduced sea ice thickness and coverage are already apparent. The Arctic Ocean could be largely free of summer ice in the 2030s. Marine species are moving northwards, with consequences for subsistence hunting and commercial fisheries. In addition, the Arctic Ocean opens for increased commercial activities. The Arctic Ocean transition may be affecting global weather systems and the global economy. Combined this call for a special regional focus as part of the Decade.
The Arctic Ocean Decade Policy-Business-Science-Dialogue will provide a forum to gather Arctic leaders and key stakeholders such as scientists, industry, NGOs, policy-makers and foundations. The aim is to identify key ocean policy and sustainable development actions.
The outcomes of this event will also inform discussions at a second Arctic Workshop taking place in Copenhagen at the end of April 2020.
The All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance is already supporting the UN Ocean Decade through multiple initiatives taking place all over the Atlantic, from pole to pole. Have a look!
