The United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), often referred to as the "Ocean Decade," aims to harness ocean science to achieve sustainable development and reverse the decline in ocean health. The key aims and implementation strategies are as follows:

 

 

Aims

1. Generate Knowledge: Produce the scientific data and information needed to understand and manage the ocean sustainably.

2. Support Sustainable Development: Facilitate the development of science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

3. Enhance Partnerships: Foster global partnerships among scientists, policymakers, industry, and civil society to co-design and co-deliver research.

4. Improve Ocean Management: Strengthen science-policy interfaces at all levels to support integrated ocean management and a sustainable ocean economy.

 

Implementation

1. Global Coordination: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO coordinates the Decade, leveraging a global network of experts and stakeholders.

2. Collaborative Framework: The Decade provides a framework for diverse stakeholders to collaborate on solution-oriented research.

3. Capacity Building: Focus on building capacity in ocean science, particularly in developing countries, to ensure inclusive participation and benefit-sharing.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular progress reports and assessments to ensure the Decade's goals are being met and to adapt strategies as needed.

 

The vision of the Ocean Decade is encapsulated in the phrase: "The science we need for the ocean we want".  The British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), Cefas and DASSH are all elements of MEDIN’s network of interconnected Data Archive Centres, who play a key role in this vision through engagement with a range of UN Decade projects and initiatives including Seabed 2030, Digital Twins of the Ocean and Marine Life 2030.

Additionally all MEDIN hosted discovery metadata is discoverable through the UN Decade endorsed Ocean Info Hub portal.