the united nations 'decade of the ocean'

UN OCEAN DECADE DECLARATION

The Brown Pelican Society works to support the goals associated with the Ocean Decade through active undertakings, the funding of key projects, and messaging through various communications vehicles.  Much like THE ALLIANCE (as described below), the Society and its members are working to catalyze support for the Decade through targeted resource mobilization, networking, and influence.

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’). The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’ and it envisages nothing less than a revolution in ocean science that will trigger a step change in humanity’s relationship with the ocean. It will bring together scientists, resource providers, governments, business and industry, philanthropic Foundations, UN agencies and many other stakeholders from diverse sectors to generate scientific knowledge and develop the partnerships needed to support a well-functioning, productive, resilient, and sustainable ocean.

To stimulate the ambitious global ocean science agenda of the Ocean Decade, the Ocean Decade Alliance (‘the Alliance’) has been established to leverage and multiply financial and in-kind resource commitments towards the Decade. 

A UN-led effort, The Alliance is a global platform that occupies a high profile and unique niche. The Alliance focuses on action and the shared development of solutions. Its mandate is unparalleled and aims to support resource mobilization for ocean science in all its manifestations to achieve the vision of the Ocean Decade and thus contribute to the 2030 Agenda (See Below).

"The 7 Ocean Decade Outcomes" describes the 'Ocean We Want:'

• A clean ocean where sources of pollution are identified and reduced or removed.
• A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are understood, protected, restored and managed.
• A productive ocean supporting sustainable food supply and a sustainable ocean economy.
• A predicted ocean where society understands and can respond to changing ocean conditions.
• A safe ocean where life and livelihoods are protected from ocean-related hazards.
• An accessible ocean with open and equitable access to data, information and technology and innovation.
• An inspiring and engaging ocean where society understands and values the ocean in relation to human well-being and sustainable development.

30 x 30

Today, approximately 3% of the global ocean is protected in marine protected areas that have strong enough regulations to safeguard biodiversity. Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to guide our mission of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

- Marine Conservation Institute

The Alliance is an implementing partner of two (2) UN Decade endorsed programs: “Understanding and Addressing Ocean Acidification and Changing Ocean Conditions Through the Development of OA Action Plans,” project ID 8 and “Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS),” project ID 219.

Partners across the OARS UN Decade Program aim to expand monitoring and research that help decision-makers better understand climate impacts to marine resources and explore local actions that increase resilience.