Morant underlines the commitment to bring together science, innovation, knowledge and international engagement to achieve a sustainable future for our oceans

The Minister for Science, Innovation and Universitie, Diana Morant, spoke in Barcelona at the inauguration of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference

Diana Morant underlined the need for this conference to be a success because "part of our future, which is the future of our planet, is at stake".

The minister expressed that "we are at a crucial moment for the future of our oceans", while meeting points like this "show us that society and international institutions recognise and value the oceans in terms of human well-being and environmentally responsible growth, and that the scientific community is determined to address the challenges to achieve more sustainable oceans".

During her speech, Morant referred to "the serious effects of climate change on the oceans", stressing that "we need more science to anticipate and adapt to these impacts, while accelerating the decarbonisation of sectors such as maritime transport and fisheries".

In this respect, she highlighted the Government of Spain's cross-cutting policy "to achieve the 30% marine protected area by 2030 conceived in the Master Plan for the Network of Marine Protected Areas of Spain, which we put into effect three months ago". She also pointed out that the new National Science Advisory Office will help push for "more science to make better evidence-based policy decisions".

The minister also mentioned the State Strategy for Green Infrastructure, Connectivity and Ecological Restoration, with which "we are moving towards the creation of a functional network of protected marine areas", and the CSIC's Oceans+ Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform, by means of which "we are studying the seas in a comprehensive way, bringing together multiple disciplines".

Morant also recalled that "the public investment we have earmarked in 2024 alone for research projects dedicated to CSIC Marine Sciences amounts to nearly €110 million".

Also taking part in the inauguration were the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay; the President of Cape Verde, José María Neves; the President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan; the Prince of the Principality of Monaco, Albert II of Monaco; the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown; the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni; and the President of the Generalitat, Pere Aragonès.

Science-based solutions to drive sustainable ocean management

The conference was organised by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the Spanish National Committee for the Decade of the Ocean - led by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) - the Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Council through the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation.

With some 1,500 attendees from the global ocean community, this event aims to address science-based solutions for sustainable ocean development and management.

The conference, held at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), also serves as a global forum where governments, maritime sectors, universities, NGOs, the private sector and civil society meet and foster new collaborations with the aim of strengthening the sustainable management of the oceans.

It also marks a crucial moment to celebrate achievements and set joint priorities for the future of the Decade of the Ocean, proclaimed in 2017 by the UN General Assembly to advance ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the deteriorating state of the ocean system and catalyse new opportunities for the sustainable development of this marine ecosystem.

Morant visits the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), leader in marine scientific production

Minister Morant also visited the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), which together with the BlueNetCat network of blue economy experts is taking part as a scientific partner in Barcelona City Council's candidacy to host a Decade of the Ocean collaborating centre dedicated to the blue economy.

The minister conveyed to the mayor of the city, Jaume Collboni, "all the support of the Government of Spain" for the candidacy, which "will contribute to making this city the scientific capital it already is".

During her visit to ICM-CSIC, Morant toured the electron and optical microscopy service, the experimental aquarium area and the oceanographic engineering service. ICM-CSIC is the fourth largest research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the largest dedicated to marine research.

Under the motto 'Marine Research for a Healthy Planet', this institute conducts research of excellence and promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology on issues related to the interaction between the ocean and climate, the conservation and sustainable use of marine life and ecosystems, and the mitigation of impacts derived from natural hazards and anthropogenic activity.

In 2020, ICM-CSIC received accreditation as a 'Severo Ochoa' centre of excellence, awarded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the State Research Agency (AEI) to centres that stand out for their impact and international relevance.

Non official translation