The Ocean Decade: How does it work?
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The vision of the UN Ocean Decade is 'The science we need for the ocean we want'. The mission of the UN Ocean Decade is 'to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean'.
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| The UN Ocean Decade Framework highlights three key components for developing the 'science we need': |
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Decade Challenges The most immediate and pressing needs of the Decade, Challenges may evolve throughout the decade and new Challenges will be added. Each Challenge contributes to one or more Decade Outcomes. |
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Decade Objectives The steps in the process from the ocean we have to the ocean we want. Objectives are relevant to all Challenges. Prioritisation and translation of Objectives into Actions will vary depending on context. |
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Identify required knowledge for sustainable development |
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Generate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the ocean |
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Increase the use of ocean knowledge |
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Decade Actions The tangible initiatives and endeavours that will be implemented by a wide range of Decade stakeholders to fulfil the Objectives and thus achieve the Decade Challenges. |
| Ocean Decade Actions can be proposed and carried out by a wide range of proponents including research institutes, governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organisations, other international/regional organisations, business and industry, philanthropic and corporate foundations, NGOs, educators, community groups or individuals. Different levels of Ocean Decade Actions will be implemented; including Programmes, Projects, Activities and/or Contributions. Visit UK Endorsed Actions for a full list of endorsed UK-led and UK-partnered Ocean Decade Actions so far. |
| 'Decade Calls for Action' are announced twice annually and related to a specific set of Decade Challenges. When an Action Call opens, stakeholders have the opportunity to submit an application for their Action to receive official endorsement by the UN Ocean Decade. Visit How to get involved for further information. |
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| A Clean | A Healthy & | A Productive | A Predicted | A Safe | An Accessible | An Inspiring & |
| Ocean | Resilient Ocean | Ocean | Ocean | Ocean | Ocean | Engaging Ocean |
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How does it all fit together? |
| A multi-step, iterative and cyclical process is required to fulfil the Ocean Decade Challenges and thus move from 'the ocean we have' to 'the ocean we want'. This process involves three non-linear, overlapping steps: |
| i) The identification of knowledge that is required for sustainable development; |
| ii) The generation of the data, information and knowledge for the development of a comprehensive understanding of the ocean, its components and its interactions; |
| iii) The use of the generated knowledge and understanding of the ocean to deploy solutions for sustainable development. |
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