THE UN OCEAN DECADE

The United Nations Decade of Oceans is an international call for joint research projects, actions and information campaigns with the goal of creating a healthy and sustainably managed ocean by 2030. To move from the current state (the ocean we have) to the desired state (the ocean we want), there is an internationally agreed hierarchy of goals (objectives) and aligned tasks (challenges). At the start of the Ocean Decade 2021, an Implementation plan was developed that describes the organizational structures and operations of the global UN Ocean Decade, in addition to its goals and challenges.

Ocean Decade Goals

The UN Decade of Oceans aims to achieve a sustainable future in the management of the ocean. Transformative solutions for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean are to be developed across disciplines and countries. International coordination was used to work out how the international community would like to see the ocean by 2030.

1. Clean Ocean

A clean ocean in which the sources of pollution are known and inputs are minimized. be reduced or eliminated. Through our activities, we humans generate waste and pollutants that not only leave their mark on land, but also pollute the ocean. Plastic waste endangers marine life just as much as an increasing number of pollutants, munitions waste or too many nutrients. This can cause massive damage to ecosystems and impair their functions. Knowledge about the sources of pollution is the basis for reducing or preventing inputs.

2. Healthy and Resilient Ocean

A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are understood, protected, restored and managed appropriately. Many of our activities on land and in the sea affect biodiversity and marine habitats. Added to this are the effects of climate change. We need to better understand what this means for the ecosystems as a whole through targeted research in order to use coastal and marine habitats sustainably and protect or restore them effectively.

3. Productive Ocean

A productive ocean that will continue to provide food in the future and enable a sustainable marine economy. The diversity of marine life in healthy and productive ecosystems is an important source of livelihood for people and the foundation for a sustainable marine economy. It is crucial to develop and apply instruments to restore fish stocks, make fisheries and aquaculture sustainable and preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. The ocean is used by a variety of established and emerging industries, such as resource extraction, energy production, tourism and transportation. Governments need sound information to promote and manage a sustainable maritime economy.

4. Safe Ocean

A safe ocean in which our lives and livelihoods are protected from marine natural hazards.are protected. Heat waves in the sea, storm surges, tsunamis and other extreme events threaten coastal communities, societies and economies, as does the spread of invasive species or the impoverishment of ecosystems in the ocean. In order to recognize and counter these threats in good time, data is needed that ranges from point-in-time real-time data to long time series. On this basis, effective early warning and information systems so that protective measures can be taken in good time.