In collaboration with European and International partners, and supporting the outcomes of the G7 Ocean Decade Navigation Plan and GEO/GEO Blue Planet contributions to the Ocean Decade, EU4OceanObs project component on the Ocean Decade aims to

  • Develop a compilation and synthesis of the European Union’s (EU’s) and Member States’ activities and programmes that contribute to the main Decade challenges and EU priorities for the Decade relevant to ocean observation, prediction and related applications.
  • Develop a map of EU-to-international alignment for these priority topics to identify opportunities for potential collaborations.
  • Coordinate the development of the synthesis and mapping of these contributions with the relevant Decade coordination structures for observing, data sharing, and ocean prediction
  • Provide support for the EU policy framework and EU engagement in supporting the Ocean Decade, possibly including support to the Decade Coordination Bodies and/or Programmes, and provide regular reporting and communications materials to the European Commission on EU support for the Decade.
  • Through EU leadership in the G7 FSOI, GEO Blue Planet, and the coordination bodies of the Decade, influence international agendas to align with a coordinated framework for collective action.
  • Support the dissemination of EU results and products and Ocean Decade’s events and other communication activities

Current activities and events

  • Support to Ocean Decade Conference 2024: Satellite event | Connecting the world around Ocean prediction: A vision for the Decade and beyond | 8 April 2024 | 3:30 – 7:00 pm. Co-organised by the Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre and GEO Blue Planet, with funding from EU4OceanObs, this satellite event is designed to be a dynamic dialogue, followed by a networking reception with posters on the applications of ocean data and prediction. Showcasing the Ocean Prediction DCC and the Decade Coordination Offices of Ocean Observing and Data Sharing, the event will also highlight major EU and international programmes centred on ocean data and prediction and their applications for societal benefit. This event will promote action and foster collaborations under the “Predicted Ocean” outcome of the Decade towards a society that understands and can respond to changing ocean conditions. During the event, Andreea Strachinescu (Head of Unit Maritime innovation, marine knowledge and investments – DG MARE) will present the European priorities on Ocean Observation and Digital Ocean, and the European maritime policies and innovation to ensure a sustainable blue economy.  For more information: https://events.unoceanprediction.org/connecting-the-world-around-ocean-prediction
  • Support to the UN Ocean Conference 2025: Two high-level events on advancing Ocean prediction at the EU Digital Pavilion, Green Zone and two Town Halls at the One Ocean Science Congress, Nice, UNOC3, June 2025 

As part of its contribution to the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), EU4OceanObs, with the support of the European Commission, supported the organization of four side events:

  • Two events (Town Hall and High-level event) “Call for action to advance ocean prediction capabilities for the benefits of society” showcasing international mobilization and European leadership in advancing ocean prediction (June 4 and 10, 2025, OOSC and EU Digital Pavilion, UNOC3, Nice). During these events, built on the outcomes of OceanPredict’24, stakeholders from IOC-UNESCO, GOOS, OceanPredict/ForeSea, OceanPrediction DCC, CoastPredict, DITTO, operational oceanographic centers, GeoBluePlanet, Space agencies (CNES, ESA), WMO, Mercator Ocean International, and the European Commission outlined priorities for collective action to address observation gaps, improve interoperability, and foster closer links across the value chain (from in situ and satellite observations to operational prediction services and end users). This event promoted collaboration to advance ocean prediction capabilities for societal benefits by strengthening ocean observing, modelling, data assimilation, and digital technologies (including AI and digital twins) in support of sustainable ocean management, biodiversity protection, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

For more information: Session TM24 / The EU and the Ocean value chain / Mercator Ocean Leads Global Call for Action to Advance Ocean Prediction – Mercator Ocean International 

  • A high-level event leveraging UN Decade Challenge 8 to advance the Decade Digital Ecosystem and co-organised by the Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre and EU4OceanObs (June 10, 2025, 17:15-18:00, EU Digital Pavilion, UNOC3, Nice). This event “Strengthening Global Collaboration for a Decade Digital Ecosystem (DDE) – Vision 2030” successfully reinforced international cooperation among key Ocean Decade stakeholders to advance the development of a Digital Ecosystem. Participants, including representatives from DCO Ocean Observing, DCO Ocean Data Sharing, OceanPredict/ForeSea, GOOS, DITTO, EU DTO, and Early Career Ocean Professionals, identified key challenges, gaps and next steps to better connect the ocean value chain, from observation to prediction and services. The discussions emphasized the need for an integrated digital system to support a sustainable development of the ocean.

For more information: The EU & international collaboration 

  • A Town Hall “Marine Knowledge at the Fingertips of our Communities: Designing Digital Twins of the Ocean” (June 4, 2025, EU Digital Pavilion, UNOC3, Nice) showcasing the EU Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTO) to advance sustainable ocean management. Co-organized by the European Commission – DG Research and Innovation, G7FSOI, and EU4OceanObs, this event highlighted the importance of robust architectures, inclusive governance, capacity building, and international cooperation in establishing DTOs as a shared global resource that enhances ocean resilience and supports sustainable management, from climate forecasting and pollution prevention to fisheries and integrated coastal management. 

For more information: Session TM21 

Contact

Stéphanie Cuven (scuven(a)mercator-ocean.fr)
Assistant Coordinator of International Programmes for Ocean Observations and Prediction