Marine ecosystems and biodiversity provide essential benefits, including crucial resources such as food, water and medicine, as well as climate regulation and coastal protection. Acquiring up-to-date information and insights into the transformation of marine resources, their distribution and connectivity, ranging from the ocean’s surface to its deepest depths, is therefore key to sustainably manage, protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems.

To this end, Ocean Decade Challenge 2 seeks to develop tools to implement management frameworks that build resilience, recognize thresholds and avoid ecological tipping points. The goal is to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a better life, to secure better employment and to participate in a thriving economy.

Established as part of the Vision 2030 process, Working Group 2 amplifies the efforts to tackle Challenge 2. It is led by two expert co-chairs, Frank Muller-Karger, Professor in the College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, USA, and Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Over 20 experts, specializing in multidisciplinary ocean observing, education, the private sector and international programme coordination, identified gaps and priority needs in order to define key indicators for achieving Challenge 2 by 2030 – a strategic ambition that integrates conservation, restoration and judicious resource utilization in the long term.

In this context, Aileen Tan Shau Hwai highlighted the cross-cutting priority of enhancing protection and restoration of ecosystems in a dynamic environment throughout the Ocean Decade.

“Ocean Decade Challenge 2 is interconnected with all of the Ocean Decade Challenges, emphasizing collaboration and partnerships between scientists and users,”she said. “The ultimate goal is to improve the understanding of marine life and ecosystems to benefit future generations through sustainable development and conservation. Most importantly is translating the science to actionable solutions.”

The achievement of this ambitious goal hinges on local engagement and self-management within the framework of international and interdisciplinary cooperation, while leveraging advanced technologies and scientific knowledge. Recognizing the critical role of effective data and knowledge mobilization, Working Group 2 advocates for improvements in biodiversity databases and the adoption of standardized data formatting and sharing practices.

The outcome of this months-long collaborative work, a conceptual framework for sustainable development, is presented in a draft white paper that is currently open for public review. It delineates potential milestones for monitoring progress in meeting Challenge 2, identifying gaps in scientific knowledge, promoting inclusive networks and integrating science and management to inform public policies.Read more.