- Shengle Yin
- Posted on
- Nha Trang, Vietnam
The ocean plays a pivotal role in the sustainable development of this densely populated and rapid developing region. From 5-7 November 2024, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) convened over twenty ocean experts, including members of its Advisory Group, in Nha Trang, Vietnam, to discuss advancing ocean science solutions and fostering cooperation for sustainable development. The meeting was graciously hosted by the Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam.
This meeting occurred at a critical juncture, as the UN Ocean Decade reaches its midpoint, and global ocean governance continues to evolve. Recent milestones reflect this significant movement, as reflected by the adoption of new international instruments, such as the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
The Strategic Consultative Meeting first reviewed the implementation status of all ongoing programs, projects, and working groups within the Sub-Commission. These efforts are structured around four key action areas: ocean process and climate change, marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, capacity development and ocean literacy, and knowledge of emerging issues. A particular focus was given to the Sub-Commission-led UN Decade Actions, including marine spatial planning, Asian riverine plastic emission, 2nd Cooperative Study of the Kuroshio and its Adjacent Regions, and the development of Regional Training and Research Centers (RTRCs), respectively. Key recommendations from the 2nd UN Decade Regional Conference and the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22-25 April 2024, Bangkok) were also presented.
This stocktaking session was crucial for improving program efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring they respond to the evolving needs of Member States and the Sub-Commission as a whole.
Updates on recent developments in the global ocean governance were also presented. These updates include key outcomes from the 57th Session of the IOC Executive Council (June 2024), the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), ongoing negotiations for the global plastics treaty, and preparations for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3, June 2025).
Following the information and stocktaking session, a dynamic brainstorming session took place, at which participants were encouraged to share their valuable insights and actionable suggestions at both the strategic and programmatic levels. The discussion also focused on the upcoming Intergovernmental Session scheduled for March 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
Over the course of the three-day meeting, the in-depth discussions resulted in a series of immediate actions for all involved. These included introducing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and big data, as well as reviewing and co-developing new proposals aimed at advancing ocean-based solutions to climate change (mitigation, adaptation and resilience); marine biodiversity conservation, ocean ecosystem and human health, and blue economy; marine disaster risk reduction and mitigation; and ocean literacy and capacity development.
The meeting underscored the critical role of ocean science in sustainable ocean planning and management, and assisting Member States to meet their international commitments. To strengthen science-policy interface, the meeting also deliberated on the 2nd Senior Governmental Officials Roundtable (SGO Roundtable) and the National Decade Committees Forum (NDCs Forum), both to be held at the WESTPAC-XV in March 2025.
In the run up to the Sub-Commission’s biennial session, the strategic consultation serves as an essential process to mobilize actions, co-design and co-develop new initiatives, and chart the path forward for the sustainable development of ocean, marine, and coastal resources in the Western Pacific.