Ocean Decade or the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), has got a new thrust.

Global ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) have collaborated on the project.

The partnership will collaborate to create global outreach and communication strategies for the Ocean Decade. The agenda also includes public access to OceanX expedition data. This includes funding for joint initiatives with researchers from the Arctic, Red Sea, Indonesia, Seychelles, and Pacific Small Island Developing States. As a first step, the partners will collaborate on a joint pavilion in the Blue Zone at COP28.

Partners plan a digital and social media campaign for UN World Oceans Day, involving scientific partners, philanthropies, industry players, and governments. OceanX will use Hollywood-quality multimedia to showcase coral reefs, marine fauna, and protected areas, hosting screenings and promoting content to stakeholders and the public.

“OceanX, a multidisciplinary science company, leverages its media capabilities and unique science approach to enhance global ocean data access. The objective is to highlight the potential of our ocean for the world,” said Julian Barbière, Head, the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section at IOC/UNESCO and Global Coordinator of the Ocean Decade.

Said Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and Chief Science Officer, OceanX, “Credible scientific research, combined with creative media and storytelling, are vital to communicating the centrality of the world’s oceans to human life. This agreement signals the start of an innovative partnership that will share stunning oceanic research with the world and inspire human beings to protect their ocean.”

The Ocean Decade is a convening framework for stakeholders to identify, generate, and use scientific research and solutions to sustainably manage marine ecosystems and connect people to the world’s oceans.