- Wenxi Zhu
- Posted on
- Bangkok, Thailand
On 25 April 2024, the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference culminated in the issuance of two significant documents, symbolizing the unified stance on pressing ocean issues and joint commitments to taking concerted actions towards addressing these issues in the region.
Concurrently, the ECOP/MCOP Statement, a joint endeavor by the Early Career and Mid-Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs and MCOPs) in the region, was also released. While calling on governments to uphold their commitments to Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the Goal 14: Life below water, the ECOP/MCOP Statement underscores a shared commitment to accelerating the advancement of ocean science, communicating ocean science to the general public to raise awareness and inspire actions, promoting inclusivity and diversity among ECOPs and MCOPs, and continuously working together across borders and disciplines to achieve “the Science We need for the Ocean We Want”.
The comprehensive texts of both Bangkok Declaration and ECOP/MCOP Statement garnered widespread support and endorsements from participants. These two documents will serve as guiding principles for collective actions and collaboration in the region towards a sustainable future for our ocean.
