The Mirpuri Foundation was invited to participate in an event organized by UNESCO entitled “Leveraging ocean science and innovation for healthy and resilient coastal and marine ecosystems”, which intended to give a detailed progress report on the various aspects of scientific cooperation and ocean health.
The event explored how investment and partnerships in research, ocean observations, fit-for-purpose data products and services can empower decision-makers, industry and local communities to conserve and restore ocean ecosystems, address vulnerability and build resilience to climate change.
A broad overview of key progress, challenges and opportunities in implementing SDG 14 was addressed, with a specific focus on ocean acidification and marine scientific capacity applied to ocean management. Innovation in ocean observation, technologies and information delivery to support sustainable use and ocean conservation were also highlighted.
Speakers included Jacqueline Uku (Co-Chair of the Editorial Board of the Global Ocean Science Report, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute), Jan Newton (Co-Chair of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network, University of Washington), Evgeniia Kostianaia (Global Coordinator for the UN Ocean Decade endorsed Programme for Early Career Ocean Professional), Francisco Chaves (Senior Scientist, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), Anya Waite (Co-Chair Global Ocean Observing System) and António Domingos Abreu (Environmental Expert, Man and Biosphere Programme).
The key message was clear throughout all presentations: the moment is now to build on the transformative work of UN Ocean Decade innovation in ocean observation, technologies and information delivery to support sustainable use and ocean conservation, while empowering local communities to build resilience and protect biodiversity through partnerships in nature-based solutions such as the biosphere reserves and blue carbon approaches.
