Ocean Decade Laboratories: An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean

The ocean is a place of wonder. It engages and inspires all those with an interest in and connection to the ocean, including current and future generations of scientists, policymakers, government officials, managers and innovators, to realise the Ocean Decade’s vision.

A change in society’s relationship with the ocean is needed to catalyse changes in behaviour and ensure the effectiveness of Ocean Decade solutions. Ocean literacy approaches, formal and informal educational and awareness-raising tools, and measures for ensuring equitable physical access to the ocean can all achieve change. When implemented in concert, they will expand society’s understanding of the ocean’s economic, social and cultural value and illuminate the diverse roles the ocean plays in supporting health, wellbeing and sustainable development. This outcome will showcase the ocean as a place of wonder that inspires the next generation of scientists, policymakers, government officials, managers and innovators.

Ocean science’s latest findings show how our oceans are changing. “From knowledge to action – from action to impact” is an innovative, agile undertaking to bridge the science-policy gap. The Laboratory uses an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to address society’s need for healthy, sustainable oceans. Looking ahead to the positive impacts of diversity and inclusivity, it empowers participants to tap the Decade’s full potential by taking sustainable action. The Laboratory highlights the key roles of co-design and innovation in moving from science to solutions, and ultimately catalyses behavioural change for a healthy, resilient and productive ocean.

CORE EVENT – High-Level Program (Draft)

Moderator: Monika Jones

2:30 pm Opening

• Welcome and introduction to the Ocean Decade
   
• Introduction to the Ocean Decade Laboratories
• Overview of the program
• Video presenting the ocean as a place of wonder and inspiration
   
• Monika Jones event moderator
• Julian Barbière Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO

2:40 pm DRIVING THE CHANGE: The relationship between society and the ocean

• Are we ready to change?
• How to drive the step change required for sustainable behavior changes
• How to anchor science in policy frameworks for long-lasting changes
• How to create empathy, ensure inclusivity and inspire action throughout the Ocean Decade?

Co-moderation:

• Leila Ben Hassen, CEO and Founder of Blue Jay Communications, Ltd.

Panelists:

• Sir Peter Gluckman, President-elect of the Board of International Science Council
• Emma McKinley, Cardiff University
• Gerald Singh, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Antony Firth, Climate Heritage Network

Interview:

• Easkey Britton, Marine Researcher and Big Wave Surfer

Q&A with audience

Challenge 10: An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean (video)

3:25 pm INSPIRING TO CARE: The power of communication

• Innovative approaches to scientific communication
• What is the role of changemakers, influencers, innovation and coalition in various sectors, including food, fashion, sport and art, in changing the narrative and fostering action in the Ocean Decade?

Co-moderation:

• Dr. Diva Amon marine biologist from Trinidad, Founder of SpeSeas

Panelists:

• Richard Vevers, CEO of the Ocean Agency
• Mirella Leis, Founder of the Fish Market
• Katy Croff Bell, National Geographic Explorer
• Anne-Cécille Turner, The Ocean Race

Q&A with audience
Short break

4:10 pm ENGAGING IN COLLECTIVE ACTION: No one is left behind

• The role of ocean literacy, media, education and citizen science in the Ocean Decade
• Empowering indigenous and local knowledge holders through the Decade
• Supporting early career and young ocean professional communities to create a legacy for the future via the Ocean Decade

Co-moderation:

• Captain Londy Ngcobo, BLAQMERMAID Ship Navigator

Panelists:

• Nikita Shiel-Rolle, Young Marine Explorers and Cat Island Conservation Institute
• Anissa Saudemont, Founder SparkNews.com
• Jonatha Giddens, National Geographic Society Exploration Technology
• Xianfeng Zhang Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Q&A with audience

Retrospective V.ECOP Day (short video)

4:50 pm LOOKING FORWARD

• Wrap-up and next steps
• Virtual Dive
• How to stay engaged in the Ocean Decade
   
• Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
• Maya Gabeira, Professional Surfer
• Erika Woosley, The Hydrous

Short break

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm EMPOWERING TO ACT: Innovation workshop

Interactive breakout sessions – pre-registration required. Please note that numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first come –first served basis!