Atlantic Declaration Priorities
Equally considering the Atlantic Ocean as a shared responsibility, our joint vision is to bring together and systematically connect all relevant actors across the Atlantic Ocean to identify concrete research and innovation activities with a long-lasting potential and impact. The 2022 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance Declaration signatories intend to:
Support the sustainable development of the Atlantic Ocean by establishing a long-lasting All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance ("the Alliance"), following the motto "Connecting-Cooperating-Acting."
Share knowledge, infrastructures, and capacity by promoting innovative and transformative outcome-oriented science, in accordance with our respective laws, rules and regulations and consistent With the provisions of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Support and build upon existing international efforts, reinforcing the implementation of the Galway and Belem Statement initiatives, to advance our knowledge and stewardship of the Atlantic Ocean, noting that partners will decide which activities to engage in.
This joint collaboration will be realized through the establishment of an All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance community, co-creating and implementing purpose-driven ocean science activities. It will promote accessible, interoperable, and transparent knowledge and data systems while enhancing access to and sharing ocean science infrastructures, data, and expertise. The initiative will integrate local, experiential, and Indigenous knowledge into ocean science endeavours, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with specific efforts to advance gender and intergenerational equity and support meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples. Strengthening stakeholder engagement, particularly involving citizens and youth, and emphasizing the human dimension in ocean science are key priorities.
Additionally, the collaboration will propose and implement innovative, transformative, and outcome-oriented science to support the health and sustainable development of the Atlantic Ocean. It aims to promote capacity building and exchange through youth programs, development opportunities for early-career professionals, and fostering intergenerational learning. Finally, the initiative will engage with relevant international efforts, aligning with the vision of a healthy and sustainable ocean, consistent with international law and the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), including initiatives like the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.
The 2022 Declaration identifies the following shared priorities to steer its collaborative efforts:
Increasing our understanding of the relationship between the ocean and climate and developing outcome-oriented science for mitigating and adapting to its consequences.
Monitoring, protecting, and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity, thereby enhancing their resilience and potential for adaptation to climate change and other natural and anthropogenic stressors.
Tackling the impacts of marine pollution, including plastics, on marine species and ecosystems.
Developing innovative, outcome-oriented science to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Coordinating Atlantic Ocean observing and seabed mapping efforts and improving modelling capacities.
Promoting circular, sustainable, and inclusive ocean economies.
Promoting ocean literacy and broadening engagement in ocean sciences and ocean sustainability
