The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

The United Nations General Assembly has called for an acceleration of ocean science and data exchange to reverse the decline in ocean health and function, and to catalyze new opportunities for sustainable ocean use.

UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has been mandated to coordinate the preparatory phase of the Ocean Decade, working to create a strong supportive environment at national, regional, and global levels. The vision for the Decade is "the science we need for the ocean we want," aiming for a transformation in ocean science that radically changes humanity's relationship with the ocean.

It provides a framework to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to generate the scientific knowledge and partnerships needed for a well-functioning, productive, resilient, and sustainable ocean supporting human health and well-being.

In 2021, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, joined as a founding member of the Ocean Decade Alliance to support, amplify, and mobilize commitments for the Decade, aiming to link ocean science to policies and action communities.