UN Ocean Decade

UN Ocean Decade & OZEAON

The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want

The United Nations proclaimed 2021–2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Known as the Ocean Decade, this global initiative connects people and the ocean to catalyze transformative science solutions for a sustainable, equitable, and healthy future. OZEAON is proud to be an endorsed Decade Project, advancing this mission through open science, education, and innovation.

What is the Ocean Decade?

The Ocean Decade provides a shared framework for ocean science to support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on co-design, inclusivity, and open access, mobilizing scientists, governments, civil society, and innovators to create 'the ocean we want'.

Vision

"The science we need for the ocean we want."

Mission

"Catalyze transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean."

10 Ocean Decade Challenges

Beat marine pollution, protect biodiversity, unlock ocean-based solutions to climate change, and more.

7 Outcomes

A clean ocean, a healthy ocean, a safe ocean, an inspiring ocean, and more.

OZEAON is an Endorsed Ocean Decade Project

In March 2025, OZEAON was officially endorsed as Decade Action No. 10.7 under the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme (ECOPs). This endorsement recognizes OZEAON's contribution to advancing global ocean science through education, innovation, and community-driven solutions.

ECOP - Early Career Ocean ProfessionalsUN Ocean Decade 2021-2030
"Your project will play a central role in supporting the Ocean Decade mission to catalyze transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and the ocean."

— Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary, IOC-UNESCO

Communications & Global Reach

As part of the Ocean Decade, OZEAON joins a global network of initiatives highlighted through campaigns like GenOcean, which showcase citizen engagement and innovation worldwide. Through storytelling, partnerships, and open access to science, we amplify the collective impact of the Ocean Decade.

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How OZEAON Contributes

Turning Knowledge into Action

Citizen Science & ECOPs

Mobilizing citizen science & early-career researchers via the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme.

FAIR Educational Resources

Creating FAIR, AI-assisted Open Educational Resources for global accessibility.

Co-design Facilitation

Facilitating co-design between innovators, funders, and local communities.

Regenerative Innovation

Advancing regenerative ocean farming, bio-materials, and ecosystem restoration.

Decentralized Governance

Building decentralized governance and transparent funding for science.

Global Collaboration

Connecting researchers, policymakers, and communities worldwide.

OZEAON Platform Contribution to the Decade Objectives

The OZEAON platform represents a transformative approach to advancing ocean knowledge and fostering sustainable development through innovative technology and holistic methodologies.

Objective 1: Identify Critical Ocean Knowledge

Comprehensive Repository of Ocean Knowledge

OZEAON serves as a pivotal resource by providing a comprehensive and centralized repository of ocean knowledge, addressing the challenge of fragmented information that often impedes effective research and decision-making in marine and climate sciences.

Open Educational Resources (OERs)

The platform's OERs are curated following FAIR principles, covering diverse domains such as ecosystem services, health & biotechnology, food security, economy & industry, design & bio-materials, social empowerment, regulations, and environmental warnings.

Advanced Search and AI Assistance

OZEAON leverages cutting-edge technology with advanced search functionalities and AI-powered tools like "Ask Metis" to streamline the process of identifying critical ocean knowledge.

Objective 2: Build Capacity and Generate Knowledge

Collaborative Knowledge Building

OZEAON's decentralized model uses DAOs to empower stakeholders in governance and development, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and ensuring diverse perspectives are integrated.

Educational Resources and Capacity Building

The platform provides comprehensive educational materials covering health & biodiversity, food security, and economy & industry, supporting users at different stages of their learning journey.

AI-Driven Knowledge Generation

AI algorithms analyze user interactions and trends to identify emerging research needs, update content, and generate synthesized reports based on recent research.

Objective 3: Increase the Use of Ocean Knowledge

Accessible and User-Friendly Platform

OZEAON's intuitive interface and advanced search functionalities, enhanced by AI-powered tools, make ocean knowledge easily accessible to diverse users.

Interactive Educational Tools

The platform incorporates interactive quizzes, DIY tutorials, and videos that engage users and facilitate practical application of ocean knowledge.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

OZEAON facilitates knowledge sharing through collaborative features, DAOs, and integration with global frameworks, ensuring knowledge aligns with international priorities.

Together, Let's Create the Ocean We Want

Every project, article, and educational resource on OZEAON contributes to the global vision of the Ocean Decade. By working together across disciplines, sectors, and borders, we can restore the ocean and build a sustainable future.