The vision of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is 'the science we need for the ocean we want'.

To achieve the Ocean Decade vision, a wide range of partners will implement endorsed Decade Actions in the form of programmes, projects or activities over the next ten years. Proponents of endorsed Decade Actions will have the opportunity to join a highly visible, shared, global effort that builds on decades of achievement in ocean science. There will be opportunities to create new collaborations across disciplines, geographies and generations, as well as opportunities to access new sources of support.  

Via a first 'Call for Decade Actions', partners are invited to request endorsement under the Ocean Decade for transformative Decade Actions that contribute to the Ocean Decade vision. This Call for Decade Actions is the first of series that will launched as part of the Ocean Decade and it focuses specifically on: 

1. large-scale, multi-country, transformative Decade programmes; and 

2. large-scale contributions of in-kind or financial resources for Decade Actions or coordination costs.

Programmes or contributions that will enhance the sustainability of ocean science, including infrastructure or individual or institutional capacity, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic are welcome in response to this call. Actions in any part of the world are welcome, and there is no limitation on who can submit a request for endorsement.

A suite of documents provides additional information on the Call including :

• Guidance Note for Applicants 

• Frequently Asked Questions on the Call for Decade Actions 

• Summary of the Implementation Plan  

Interested parties should complete and submit the relevant online “Request for Endorsement”  before 15 January 2021.

Two virtual sessions are planned to provide additional information on the Call for Decade Actions on the 20 October 2020 and the 6 November 2020. Details of the sessions will be posted on www.oceandecade.org and on the Ocean Decade social media channels. 

Decisions on endorsement under this Call will be made in the first quarter of 2021. 

During the preparation of submissions we strongly encourage interested parties to consult and, where possible, collaborate with other institutions and partners working on common issues. Parties wishing to connect with other actors working in their geographic or thematic area of interest can contact the IOC Secretariat at oceandecade@unecso.org or members of the Ocean Decade Executive Planning Group as follows:

Additional resources that may be of use for applicants to the Call include OceanExpert and OceanBestPractices. 

For more information please contact oceandecade@unesco.org