A new chapter of global ocean action started this week in Barcelona. From 10 to 12 April, the city hosted the UN Ocean Decade Conference, the global conference co-organized with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) which marked a pivotal moment to celebrate the achievements of the Ocean Decade Community and also to set joint priorities in the upcoming years. Titled ‘Delivering the science we need for the ocean we want’, the Conference held in Barcelona brought together 40 international speakers from diverse backgrounds ranging from scientific and political to economic and social. All of them identified the priorities for the Ocean Decade to generate the knowledge needed for science-based solutions related to global challenges, such as climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, sustainable ocean economy, pollution and natural hazards.

The Conference programme was structured in four thematic sessions based on the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. The first thematic session, titled ‘Science and Solutions for a Clean, Healthy and Resilient Ocean’, focused on marine pollution, ecosystems and the ocean-climate nexus. The sustainable ocean economy, food and resilient communities was the focus of the second session, titled ‘Science and Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economy’. The third session, ‘Science and Solutions for a Safe and Predicted Ocean’, was dedicated to ocean observation, forecasting and early warning systems. The last session, titled ‘An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean for all’, was related to capacity development, ocean literacy, indigenous and local knowledge and cultural heritage.

María del Carmen García Martínez, Director of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), pointed out that “the knowledge, management and solution of problems associated with the seas cannot be solved by a city or a country alone and must be addressed through multilateralism and international organizations such as UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.”

Within the celebration of the Conference, Barcelona became the world capital of the blue economy and the sustainable development of the oceans. All the speakers stressed on Catalonia’s long tradition as a center of marine research and ocean science and as a maritime hub, with a strong commitment to sustainability. For instance, Barcelona has adopted a blue economy strategy which promotes the creation of companies and quality jobs, in line with environmental sustainability.

Eco-Cruising Fu_Tour partner ASCAME, the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce, gave support to the Conference. In fact, one of the main challenges of ASCAME's 2024 Action Plan is to mobilize the private sector and foster multilateral cooperation to promote the economic development of the Mediterranean based on the preservation of marine ecosystems and environmental sustainability. For ASCAME, the blue economy plays a key role in the prosperity of the Mediterranean region.



Watch the presentation of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference by the UNESCO!