The world’s oceans are in dire need of protection, requiring a concerted global effort to enhance understanding, appreciation, and investment in scientific research and education. as the global community prepares for the upcoming ocean conference, these crucial elements will take center stage.

france and Costa Rica are preparing to jointly host the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, scheduled for June 9-13. This conference will bring together governments, private sector representatives, intergovernmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations to address the urgent measures required to conserve and promote the sustainable utilization of our oceans.

this year’s conference holds particular meaning as it coincides with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). This initiative unites stakeholders under the guidance of the UN and its partners to implement actions safeguarding unique ocean ecosystems and biodiversity,while also fostering greater awareness and research in ocean sciences.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the progress of the UN Ocean Decade, uniting the global ocean community under the shared principles of understanding, educating, and protecting the oceans.

Data collection and Ocean Mapping

A key focus will be on enhancing data collection capabilities within the global ocean observation system. The scarcity of data and limitations in collection methods have posed challenges for organizations in fully comprehending the scope of the ocean and the changes it faces due to climate change.

“Education is key if we want to have a new generation that is aware of the importance of the ocean system,”