EMSEA Annual Conference 2024 Endorsed by UN Ocean Decade

We are proud to announce that the EMSEA Annual Conference 2024, taking place from September 23-26 in Zadar, Croatia, has officially been endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade activity. This endorsement recognizes our conference's vital role in advancing ocean literacy and supporting sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

EMSEA’s mission has always been to serve as a hub for the European marine education community, promoting ocean literacy across society. Our annual conference is a cornerstone of this mission, bringing together scientists, educators, policymakers, and public stakeholders to share insights, research, and innovative practices that address key challenges in ocean science and education.

The UN Ocean Decade seeks to generate scientific knowledge and create partnerships that accelerate the use of ocean science for sustainable development. It provides a framework for collaboration among diverse stakeholders to reverse the decline in ocean health and to stimulate new opportunities for sustainable ocean use. The vision of the Ocean Decade is clear: "The science we need for the ocean we want."

Our annual conference, endorsed by the UN, is now an action under this vision. Through interactive workshops, presentations of innovative methodologies, and the dissemination of best practices, the event builds capacity for integrating ocean literacy into various community and educational programs. These efforts align closely with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The conference also contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting initiatives related to the blue economy.

EMSEA Annual Conference 2024 is officially recognized as contributing to Challenge 10 of the UN Ocean Decade, which aims to transform how people interact with the ocean. This recognition aligns perfectly with EMSEA’s core belief that by uniting efforts and working together, we can protect and restore the health of our oceans. Being part of this global initiative is a proud moment for us, underscoring our commitment to fostering ocean literacy as a transformative force for sustainable ocean stewardship.

As an endorsed event under the UN Ocean Decade, the EMSEA 2024 Annual Conference is set to be a powerful contributor to the global effort to enhance ocean literacy and deliver science-based solutions for a sustainable future.