About Ocean Decade

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (also referred to as the Ocean Decade) to mobilize ocean stakeholders worldwide behind a common framework that will ensure ocean science can fully support countries in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The main motivation for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is to support efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create improved conditions for sustainable development of the ocean, seas and coasts.

The Decade will stimulate action over the next ten years (2021-2030) in areas of critical importance for the planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnership. More coordinated and consolidated observations and research will contribute to the UN processes protecting the ocean and its resources, such as the Aichi Biodiversity targets, the SAMOA Pathway, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

With the guiding vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want,” the Ocean Decade’s
mission is to catalyze transformative ocean science solutions that advance sustainable development while fostering a deep connection between people and the ocean. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO has been entrusted with designing and leading the Ocean Decade, consulting governments, UN agencies, scientific organizations, the private sector, and civil society to deliver a healthier ocean for future generations.

In the Philippines, the National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS) of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM or PH NatCom) is the focal body that mainly serves as the clearinghouse on all matters pertaining to UNESCO-IOC. NCMS supports and complements existing efforts relative to the UN Decade of Ocean for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) 2021-2030. Additionally, it functions as the interim National Decade Committee. It is composed of the following agencies:

  1. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA)
  2. Biodiversity Management Bureau – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (BMB-DENR)
  3. University of the Philippines- Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI)
  4. Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office – Department of Foreign Affairs (MOAO-DFA)
  5. National Mapping Resource and Information Administration – DENR (NAMRIA-DENR)
  6. National Museum (NM)
  7. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration – Dept. of 8. Science and Technology (PAG-ASA-DOST)
  8. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
  9. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development – DOST (PCAARRD-DOST)
  10. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology – DOST (PHIVOLCS-DOST)
  11. Philippine Navy (PN)
  12. Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (PH NatCom)