The Conference of the Ocean Decade 2024 will be the culmination of the Ocean Decade Week that will bring the global ocean community to Barcelona. The program will be structured in four thematic sessions based on the 10 Challenges of the Ocean Decade. With an expected attendance of 500 people, the Conference of the Ocean Decade 2024 will feature the participation of more than 40 international speakers. More than 130 Satellite Events will complement the official program in the period prior to the Conference of the Ocean Decade 2024 and during one’s own.
Announced at a press conference in Barcelona, the Conference of the Ocean Decade 2024titled The science what we need for he ocean we want, will be held from April 10 to 12 at the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB). This Conference will mark a crucial moment to celebrate achievements and establish joint priorities for the future of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)or the “Decade of the Oceans”.
In the presentation of program representatives of UNESCO attended the Barcelona Capital Nautical Foundation, which coordinates the Ocean Decade, as well as Spanish, Catalan and Barcelona authorities represented by the director of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography of the CSIC (IEO-CSIC), María del Carmen García Martínez; the general director of Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Sergi Tudela; and the deputy mayor of the Area of Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion and Tourism of Barcelona City Council, Jordi Valls.
During the three-day event, a new foundation will be created to strengthen sustainable ocean management, showcasing innovative and transformative science-driven solutions. With an expected attendance of 1,500 ocean community actors and partners, the Conference will serve as a global forum where governments, leaders, maritime sectors, universities, NGOs, the private sector and civil society will come together and new collaborations will be encouraged and driven. for a rich dialogue between science, politics and society.
Four sessions to face the 10 Challenges of the Ocean Decade 2024
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference It is structured in four thematic sessions based on the 10 Challenges of the Ocean Decadecombining plenary and parallel sessions to delve into the results of the ‘Vision 2030’ process of the Ocean Decade. The sessions will also provide a space to highlight ocean science initiatives and develop recommendations to chart a course for ocean conservation through knowledge sharing. The Conference will feature the participation of 40 internationally renowned speakers from various fields ranging from the scientific and political to the economic and social.
The first thematic session, titled Science and solutions for a clean, healthy and resilient ocean, will focus on marine pollution, ecosystems and the ocean-climate nexus. The sustainable ocean economy, food and resilient communities will be the focus of the second session, titled Science and solutions for a sustainable and resilient ocean economy.
The third session of the Conference, Science and solutions for a safe and planned ocean, will be dedicated to ocean observation, prediction and early warning systems; while the last session will be related to capacity development, ocean literacy, indigenous and local knowledge and cultural heritage under the title An inspiring and attractive ocean for everyone.
Beyond the Conference: an entire Week of the Ocean Decade 2024
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference it will be the culmination of a whole week of events which will take place in Barcelona from April 8 to 12, when more than 130 Satellite Events will complement the official programmingboth in person at the CCIB on the three days of the Conference as external on April 8 and 9. The external Satellite Events, many of which will be open to the general public, will be located in four main centers around the city with a strong link to ocean sciences and solutions: the Ocean Hub, Sea Hub, Port Hub and City Hub.
Satellite Events will be action-oriented and will tangibly contribute to the final results of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference. They will provide additional forums for debate, networking and knowledge sharing, in various formats, such as discussion panels, presentations, interactive workshops or dialogues, with the aim of cultivating a dynamic and inclusive environment for attendees to deepen their understanding, collaborate and contribute to the objectives of the Ocean Decade.
In addition to the 130 Satellite Events, More than 300 posters will be exhibited at the CCIB and more than 100 oral presentations on solutions in ocean sciences will enrich the parallel sessions of the program.
During the press conference, Julian BarbiereHead of Marine Policy and Regional Coordination at UNESCO and Global Coordinator of the Ocean Decadepointed out that “The challenges facing the ocean are immense, which is why 2024 Ocean Decade Conference is a unique event and a necessary opportunity for the entire global ocean community to collectively reflect on the achievements made since 2021 and pave the way for the future of the Decade until 2030 and beyond”. He added: “In On behalf of the entire Conference organizing committee, I would like to thank our philanthropy, industry and government partners who are sponsoring the Conference. Conferenceincluding support to ensure participation of stakeholders from around the world«.
María del Carmen García Martínez, director of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), highlighted the good level of ocean research infrastructure and scientific production and its materialization in ocean policies and management, including fishing or Marine Protected Areas. However, “The knowledge, management and solution of the problems associated with the seas cannot be solved by a city or a country alone and must be addressed through multilateralism and international organizations such as UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.”.
Sergio Tudelageneral director of Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Generalitat of Catalonia, assured that «We are pleased to announce that Barcelona and Catalonia will be the world capital of science applied to ocean sustainability for one week. This provides a perfect platform to show Catalonia’s commitment to key issues such as marine scientific research, ocean governance, the development of the blue economy, the strengthening of science applied to citizens and our international outreach work. I am confident that the excellence of Catalonia will be well represented at this international meeting. We look forward to welcoming you all in April here in Barcelona«.
Jordi Vallsdeputy mayor of the Area of Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion and Tourism of the Barcelona City Council, stated that «The history of Barcelona has always been closely linked to its Mediterranean identity, especially at an economic and commercial level. Despite this, the city spent many years with its back to the sea, something that began to change with the 1992 Olympic Games, marked by the redefinition of the seafront. Since then, the city has opened up, especially to its beaches, and now is the time to look out to sea. In the current climate emergency situation, we cannot ignore the immensely important role of water: incorporating the sea as a key element of urban resilience is crucial. Sea, sustainability and science are three concepts deeply rooted in Barcelona. The city firmly believes in the protection and defense of the Mediterranean. Barcelona is the scientific capital of Spain and a top-level scientific reference.«.
Ignasi Armengolgeneral director of the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation, reaffirmed that “2024 is undoubtedly the year of the sea, with Barcelona and Catalonia as capitals. That is why we will host important events like this conference and the Copa América. The world will be watching and it is time to place the sea at the center of all our actions«.
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference is organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCOthe Government of Cataloniahe city Hall of Barcelonathe Barcelona Capital Náutica Foundation and the National Committee of the Ocean Decade of Spainled by Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)belonging to Higher Center for Scientific Research (CSIC). The Conference is also possible thanks to the financial support of HUB Ocean, REV Ocean, Allianz, Fisheries and Oceans Canadalos Japanese and Portuguese governmentsas well as numerous partners who provide travel support for underrepresented groups to participate in the Conference.
Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Decade United Nations of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘he Ocean Decade‘) seeks to stimulate ocean sciences and the generation of knowledge to reverse the deterioration of the state of the ocean system and catalyze new opportunities for the sustainable development of this enormous marine ecosystem. The vision of Ocean Decade It is “the science we need for the ocean we want.” He Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from various sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and partnerships necessary to accelerate and leverage advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system and deliver science-based solutions to achieve Agenda 2030. The United Nations General Assembly tasked the UNESCO and its Commission Intergovernmental Oceanographic coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.