In Discussion on Increasing Ocean-Related Scientific Cooperation, Speakers Underline Importance of Reliable Data
NICE, FRANCE, 9 June — Reliable data is key to making informed decisions and strengthening efforts to predict and respond to ocean hazards linked to the triple planetary crisis — climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss — speakers said today at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference.
Experts at an afternoon panel discussion focused on “Increasing ocean-related scientific cooperation, knowledge, capacity-building, marine technology and education to strengthen the science-policy interface for ocean health”. Moderated by David Obura, Chair, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, the panel included two co-chairs and five panellists.
José Manuel Fernandes, Portugal’s Minister of Agriculture and the Sea and Co-Chair of the panel, emphasized the vital role of community engagement, highlighting his country’s efforts to educate vulnerable coastal populations. “We’ve focused on coral reef preservation, the protection of marine turtles and the fight against illegal fishing”, he stated. Stressing the urgency of collective action, he added: “There is no time to lose. We must all row in the same direction together — the planet cannot wait any longer for us to act.”
Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama, also co-chairing the panel, reminded participants that only five years remain to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Scientific solutions must guide decisions as the world confronts the urgent challenges facing oceans, he stressed. Calling for unity and decisive action, he urged: “Now is the time to do more”. Words must lead to action. “We must move swiftly”, he said.
Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the first panellist, emphasized the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to ocean governance. “The ocean is not divided by sectors or compartmentalized, and our response must reflect that complexity”, he said. While acknowledging that translating science into policy — and especially into politics — is inherently challenging due to the “messy” nature of political processes, he stressed the importance of improving that connection. “We must work harder to ensure that knowledge reaches those shaping decisions”, he urged.
Mr. Helgesen pointed out that less than 1 per cent of development assistance is allocated to the ocean — “not a representative or good figure”, he said. He highlighted the vital role of business and the financial sector in supporting ocean sustainability. “Even the knowledge we currently have requires continuous updating, as the ocean continues to warm”, he added. He noted that effective investment in the ocean economy depends on reliable data. Mr. Helgesen concluded by calling for the mobilization of Governments, philanthropists and the private sector to take urgent, collective action.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), warned that record ocean heat and acidification are causing severe, long-lasting harm. Accelerating sea level rise poses an existential threat to entire island nations and coastal megacities. “Ecosystems, populations, trade and supply chains are all being disrupted — resulting in billions of dollars in blue economy losses”, she said.
“We need to turn the tide”, she urged, emphasizing the need for scientific collaboration, data exchange and political will. Robust data, she noted, is essential for improved forecasting and decision-making. “This is a must”, she stressed, announcing WMO’s upcoming initiative to deploy 10,000 ships dedicated to ocean observation. This initiative aims to enhance global forecasting and early warning systems for ocean-related hazards. Ms. Saulo highlighted that open data, shared standards, international trust and actionable information are central to WMO’s mission. “The ocean is paying a heavy price. It has a long memory — and it will not forget; it will not forgive”, she concluded.
Li Jiabiao, a researcher at the Second Institute of Oceanography under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the profound changes and serious global challenges currently facing the oceans. “To address these challenges, we must break through cognitive boundaries, advance scientific innovation and explore innovative solutions”, he said.
Noting that oceans cover 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface, he emphasized their vastness and complexity. Yet, they are increasingly threatened by acidification, a steep decline in biodiversity, plastic pollution and other pressures. Mr. Li underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen ocean-related capacity-building, particularly in cooperation with countries of the Global South. He also called for regular assessments of ocean health, greater interaction between scientists and policymakers, and the creation of support networks for young professionals passionate about ocean issues.
Mr. Pierre Bahurel, Director-General of Mercator Ocean International, emphasized the growing demand for scientifically validated data and impartial decision-support tools. The need has never been greater, he said. For the past 30 years, Mercator Ocean has been committed to public service — monitoring the present, understanding the past and anticipating the future of the ocean.
He noted a remarkable increase in families using digital platforms to connect with the ocean, calling it an encouraging sign of public engagement. Looking ahead, he highlighted those emerging digital technologies that will usher in a new era of scientific progress — transforming how ocean data is generated, accessed and shared. Meeting these challenges, he stressed, requires strong international cooperation. “Global mobilization is essential to ensure that no one is left behind,” he concluded.
Mr. Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, highlighted the organization’s collaborative approach to unlocking the sustainable potential of the ocean. “We work with scientists, Governments, educators and storytellers to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential”, he said. He pointed to recent projects in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan as examples of this mission in action. OceanX creates localized lesson plans, streams live ocean expeditions directly into classrooms and builds interactive exhibitions to inspire learning and engagement. Following each mission, the organization produces detailed summaries, which are shared with Government ministries to inform policy.
Underscoring a recurring theme among the panelists, Mr. Pieribone stressed the urgent need for more data and inclusive access to ocean knowledge. “We need systems that ensure everyone, especially those on the front lines can generate, use and benefit from ocean science”, he said. “The future of ocean science must be inclusive.”