The Ocean Decade: a unique opportunity for the private sector
The ocean, or the world’s largest ecosystem, is under threat. Crucial challenges, such as the pollution of the sea, a sustainable and fair ocean economy and dangers at sea level hazards need to be addressed urgently. The private sector can make a significant contribution by leading and developing a strong and resilient blue economy.
In 2021, the UN launched the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (also known as the Ocean Decade). The focus is centred on ensuring healthy and resilient oceans with the support of the private sector and other stakeholders.
Partners and stakeholders from various sectors are working closely together to foster scientific knowledge, promote knowledge sharing and develop suitable solutions that are ecologically beneficial and economically responsible. This is a participatory and transforming process.
The Ocean Decade aims to invest more resources in important priority areas in which the ocean is an essential factor to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Ocean Decade offers a framework for setting up, promoting and coordinating interdisciplinary efforts to promote ocean science for the benefit of society. This also creates many opportunities for sustainable businesses. Participating in the decade can bring several benefits to companies:
- Promotion of business activities in terms of scientific innovation, a scientific approach to ocean management and targeted investments in research infrastructure through a very visible and well-coordinated initiative;
- Access to global networks of leading institutions in terms of oceans and their knowledge networks;
- More insight into the contribution made by the company to the global Ocean Decade objectives and activities; and
- Unique perspective to identify investment opportunities through innovative financing and pooling of resources.
Participants are given the opportunity to lead and cooperate with other stakeholders to jointly respond to threats and limit significant risks for marine resources. They can do this, for example, by committing to certain actions linked to the Ocean Decade, such as projects, events and newsletters.
The establishment of the Belgian National Decade Committee was the first step in coordinating national actions and making the Ocean Decade benefits more easily accessible for stakeholders. Members of this committee will take concrete action to support the Ocean Decade mission.
As the secretary of the National Committee, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) is responsible for smooth communication of up-to-date information and opportunities. Interested institutions, individuals and companies can always participate in the annual open committee meetings. View the report of the latest meeting.
This text was written by Juana Jimenez, International Liaison Officer at the Flanders Marine Institute. Do you have any questions about this text or are you looking for more information? Please contact the National Decade Committee.
