Ocean Voices was present at the recent United Nations Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, Spain, through its active participation, leadership in hosting events, and commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships in pursuit of a sustainable and equitable ocean future. Ocean Voices at UNOD Conference. Left to right; Dr Maila Guilhon, Vanessa Lopes, Mariana Caldeira, Christine Gaebel, Dr Marjo Vierros, Gail Sant. The Nippon Foundation-University of Edinburgh Ocean Voices Programme participated in the recent United Nations Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona, Spain, from April 8th to 12th. Ocean Voices Fellows Mariana Caldeira, Dr. Maila Guilhon, Vanessa Lopes, and Sheena Talma, alongside Projects and Partnerships Manager Gail Sant, Head of Science Policy Research Dr. Marjo Vierros, and Research Associate Christine Gaebel, all played an active role at the conference. Their contributions included participation in conference proceedings, hosting, and chairing the events listed below: 8th April- Looking for a bluer, brighter future under the Ocean Decade – An interactive dialogue. Hosted by Dr Maila Guilhon; 9th April- ECOP Stories; Finding and using your voice. Hosted by Gail Sant with Sheena Talma as a key speaker; 9th April- Gathering forces for the science-policy nexus; Innovation, and funding. Co-hosted by Mariana Caldeira, Vanessa Lopes, Dr Maila Guilhon; 10th April- The Ocean Decade and the new agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ): Opportunities to support ratification and implementation. Hosted by Christine Gaebel. Presentations from Mariana Caldeira, Vanessa Lopes, Dr Marjo Vierros; 12th April- The Ocean Story Map - a proposal for mapping intangible cultural heritage of the deep sea. Organised by Dr Marjo Vierros. Ocean Voices hosting and participating in the event, 'The Ocean Decade and the new agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction'. Apart from coordinating, chairing and participating in several events, Ocean Voices was present at the conference to continue its active role as a Programme of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). The Programme actively participates in the Decade's regular call for Actions, partnering with initiatives that align with its values. Ocean Voices contributed to the Vision 2030 Process and through the Ocean Decade, seeks opportunities for collaboration to work towards a sustainable and equitable ocean. The conference provided valuable networking opportunities. Ocean Voices met with Nippon Foundation representatives and other partners to explore collaborative projects and new ideas. Following the conference, the team spent an extra day fostering internal connections, reflecting on key takeaways, and enjoying Barcelona as a team. Ocean Voices Fellow, Dr Maila Guilhon, presenting at the UN Ocean Decade Conference. Ocean Voices Fellow, Sheena Talma, presenting at the UN Ocean Decade Conference. Stay tuned by following Ocean Voices on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Join the conversation. This article was published on 2024-04-29
