UN Decade Conference in Barcelona: Uniting Forces for a Sustainable Ocean

The UN Decade Conference in Barcelona convened global leaders in ocean science and forecasting to forge a sustainable future for our ocean. 
 The OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre (OceanPrediction DCC) and Geo Blue Planet hosted a side event April 8 entitled “Connecting the world around Ocean prediction: A vision for the Decade and Beyond”. The event highlighted collaborative efforts to advance ocean prediction technologies and applications. This side event showcased innovations in forecasting, emphasized community building, and outlined strategies for integrating diverse initiatives. 

Forging Collaborative Solutions for Ocean Sustainability 

OceanPrediction DCC and Geo Blue Planet recently joined forces in a collaborative effort aimed at propelling ocean forecasting and its practical applications into a new era. Under this banner, the satellite event showcased a dynamic convergence of expertise and innovation, laying the groundwork for a digital ecosystem that promises to revolutionize our understanding of the world's oceans.

Empowering Ocean Forecasting Initiatives 

At the heart of this initiative lies the formation of a vibrant ocean community, orchestrated through regional teams, dedicated to advancing ocean forecasting capabilities. This collaborative network, closely linked with entities like the Ocean Observing DCO and various Decade programs including Foresea and CoastPredict, represents a significant leap forward in the journey towards a predicted ocean. The launch of the OceanPrediction DCC website further solidifies this endeavor, providing a centralized platform equipped with an interactive Atlas and Forum, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among stakeholders and experts worldwide. 

Charting the Course for a Sustainable Ocean Future 

Central to the community's efforts are the technical tools developed by OceanPrediction DCC, including the Operational Readiness Level guide and the Architecture Guide for Ocean Forecasting. These foundational documents, alongside the ETOOFS (Expert Team on Operational Ocean Forecasting Services) Guide, will serve as the backbone  to support the community in terms of capacity development, a goal envisioned for the Decade. Moreover  the side event included representatives of other key initiatives such as Copernicus Marine, EDITO (EU Digital Twin of the Ocean), and NECCTON and their integration into the OceanPrediction community

The outcomes of the event underscore the collective commitment to advancing ocean science and forecasting capabilities. As the community looks ahead, priority follow-up actions will focus on both developing technical assets and delivering tangible outcomes in line with the vision of a predicted ocean. 

In aligning with the objectives of the Ocean Decade, the OceanPrediction DCC activity drives progress towards a sustainable future. Recognizing the profound impact of oceans on the Earth's climate, ecosystems, and human activities, accurate forecasting is imperative. From early warning systems for natural disasters to sustainable management of marine resources and informing climate research, effective ocean prediction is indispensable in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the planet's well-being.

As we continue to work toward the ambitious goals for the coming years , fueled by collaboration and innovation, the vision for the Decade becomes clearer: a future where the oceans are not just predicted, but understood, respected, and preserved for generations to come.

Zone de texteFormeExplore the comprehensive discussions and exchanges that unfolded during the event.