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Marine litter represents a critical environmental challenge that reflects systemic unsustainability. It calls for a reexamination of social structures, resource management, materials life cycles, consumption patterns, waste production, and strategies to manage debris (Scrich et al., 2024). With far-reaching socioeconomic and ecological impacts that threaten human health, coastal livelihoods, and marine biodiversity (GESAMP, 2015, 2020), nations must prioritize marine litter mitigation (Lau et al., 2020)—an imperative reinforced by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). In response, courses such as those among the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) have become vital tools for effective capacity building and knowledge sharing. They empower stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and provide a path for overcoming global challenges and achieving long-term sustainability (IOC-UNESCO, 2020).
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This content will become publicly available on January 1, 2026
Toward Effective Capacity Sharing for the Ocean Sciences: Opportunities for Collaboration with UNESCO/IOC’s Capacity Development Programme
Sustainable development, including conservation of the ocean, its habitats, and resources, requires integrated global efforts. As a leading United Nations body for oceanic matters, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO/IOC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating and developing mechanisms to improve ocean science, management, and services worldwide. This paper examines UNESCO/IOC's approach to capacity sharing, highlighting empowerment of individuals, organizations, and governments in achieving sustainable development goals following guidelines established by the family of nations under various multilateral environmental agreements. It presents the Commission’s strategic capacity development framework, analyzes lessons from regional coordination mechanisms, and explores collaborative strategies for addressing capacity development barriers. The manuscript also underscores the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) as a transformative opportunity to foster capacity development and effective sharing of ocean science knowledge and resources.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2318309
- PAR ID:
- 10599654
- Publisher / Repository:
- The Oceanography Society
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Oceanography
- Volume:
- 38
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1042-8275
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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