One Ocean, One Voice: A Global Early Career Perspective on the Priorities for the UN Ocean Decade

Abstract

Intergenerational diversity is central to achieving sustainability goals. As such, one of the main challenges faced by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is bridging the generation of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) and the community of senior researchers and decision-makers currently at the helm of ocean sustainability. In this study we draw on the perspectives of over 1,300 ECOPs across 108 nations to delineate the perceived research and capacity development priorities for the Ocean Decade, and barriers to ECOP engagement and capacity development. Results across geographic and professional areas show how research on climate change and its social and ecological impacts stands as the unifying research priority for the ECOPs surveyed. In addition, the heterogeneity of subsequent research priorities across regions reflected unique challenges and priorities in the way Ocean Outcomes were ranked. Increasing funding and training opportunities for inter- and trans-disciplinary research and the integration of ECOPs into decision-making spaces were identified as important priorities for a successful and intergenerationally integrated Ocean Decade. By creating and maintaining a representative intergenerational community of practice, the Ocean Decade can ensure the continuous evolution of priorities throughout the decade, ensuring a continuous inflow of ideas and perspectives, as well as the strategic integration of emerging ocean leaders beyond 2030.

Keywords: Eary Career Ocean Professionals, UN Ocean Decade, SDG 14, Capacity Development