Marine issues to get high priority in next decade; 2021-2030 designated as ‘Decade of Ocean Science’

New York, December 7: In childhood textbooks, we all read oceans consist of 70% of the earth. But unfortunately, most of us are little aware of ocean politics, coastal security. Next decade may bring a change to the scenario as it has been dedicated to Ocean Science. United Nations today designated the years 2021 to 2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’.

“One of the priorities of the Decade will be to strengthen and diversify financial sources, particularly for Small Island Developing States and least developed countries,” said UNESCO. “This Decade will provide a framework for international coordination and partnership to reinforce research capacities in marine sciences and the transfer of technology,” it added.

Across the world, close to three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity to meet their needs. Moreover, oceans are critical for the survival of all people across the planet. The ocean absorbs around a third of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by humans and reduces the impact of climate change. Hence the importance of oceans is unquestionable.