EU4OceanObs

EuroSea Final General Assembly and Symposium 2023
2023-09-19 - 2023-09-21 | Paris
The EuroSea project entitled ‘Improving and Integrating European Ocean Observing and Forecasting Systems for Sustainable use of the Oceans’ is a EU-funded Horizon 2020 Innovation Action running from November 2019 to December 2023. Bringing together 55 institutes from EU and beyond, the project is a contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), and the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans initiative. The final general assembly will take place from 19 to 20 Sept will reunite all partners to look back at the project period, the biggest achievements and of course challenges. The event will also look ahead at EuroSea’s legacy and next steps.
EuroSea worked to accelerate the Technology Readiness Levels of instruments, sensors and platforms, and integrating these observations with ocean models, delivering cost-effective actionable information for improved ocean governance and monitoring. EuroSea focused on innovation in the full ocean observing value chain – from the requirement setting to data collection and delivery of forecasts and information. EuroSea impact will result in knowledge transfer towards innovation in the European ocean observing, monitoring and governance in support of a sustainable blue economy and responding to policy needs.
This final meeting will be followed by the EuroSea Symposium on Ocean Observing and Forecasting on 21 September 2023 at the IOC-UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The Symposium is a high-level event bringing together national and international stakeholders from policy, science, and industry. It will celebrate the remarkable innovations in European ocean observing and forecasting over recent years. It will serve as a platform for participants to reflect on past achievements and address the challenges that lie ahead in this vital field. The event aims to present and discuss recommendations for building a sustainable ocean observing and forecasting system that provides accessible, timely, and actionable data and information to all ocean users. By fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, the symposium strives to develop a unified approach to ocean research and forecasting.

EuroSea final assembly 2023 agenda, click here.
EuroSea Symposium 2023 (including link to live streaming)

10th EuroGOOS International Conference
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-05 | Galway, Ireland
European operational oceanography for the ocean we want – addressing the UN Ocean Decade Challenges

The EuroGOOS International Conference takes place every three years to take stock of the progress in the development of the oceanographic services for society. This milestone event is a meeting point for marine scientists, technologists, research managers, and the users of oceanographic services, including decision and policymakers, private sector, and citizens.
Key priorities of the conference:

Analysing the state of the art and defining emerging priorities in operational oceanography;
Advancing the European Ocean Observing System Framework for the sustainability of in situ observations and European integration;
Towards a seamless forecasting of the ocean;
Strengthening the responsiveness of European operational oceanography to policy and governance needs;
Fostering engagement of all users and stakeholders to co-design the European operational oceanography;
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness in oceanography and ocean science;
Integrating European operational oceanography into the global context.

More information on the programme and to register available here: https://marineinstitute.clr.events/event/133655#
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 16 April 2023

EurOcean 2023 Conference
2023-10-10 - 2023-10-12 | Galicia, Spain
EurOCEAN conferences are major European marine science-policy conferences organised every 4-5 years. They provide a forum for the marine and maritime research community and wider stakeholders to interface with European and Member State policymakers and strategic planners.
The aim of the EurOCEAN 2023 science-policy conference is to highlight the synergies between the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, other EU research and innovation, and management initiatives, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. EurOCEAN 2023 will attract marine policy makers, marine scientists, science stakeholders and communicators, maritime industry representatives and European and national decision makers and programme managers, i.e. those that set, manage and implement the marine science agenda.
For more information, visit: www.euroceanconferences.eu

GEO Blue Planet 6th Symposium
2023-10-31 - 2023-11-02 | Seoul, Korea
The 6th GEO Blue Planet Symposium to be held in Seoul, Korea from 31 October 31 – 2 November 2023 in Seoul, Korea. These GEO Blue Planet symposiums are designed to increase regional linkages, promoting linkages between stakeholders and the observing community and gathering community feedback on the focus of GEO Blue Planet activities.
This year’s symposium, themed Digital Solutions for Sustainable Oceans, is specifically geared towards improving GEO Blue Planet’s engagement with Asian nations to expand the Earth observation community of practice, strengthen local capacity and provide access to resources, tools, and services. The Korean symposium is scheduled to be held by establishing cooperative relationships with international organizations to enhance awareness of GEO Blue Planet in the Asia region.
This in-person event will feature plenary sessions centered on the GEO Blue Planet Core Action Areas of Stakeholder Engagement, Cooperation, and Co-design and Capacity Development. Additionally, it will include multiple sessions on Korean Marine Spatial Planning (K-MSP) and digital solutions, thematic workshops, and an interactive Symposium Forum.
More information will be made available on the event website: https://symposium.geoblueplanet.org/

GEO Week 2023 & Ministerial Summit Cape Town
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-10
GEO Week 2023 will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6-10 November 2023. The week will include the GEO-19 Plenary from 8-9 November and the GEO Ministerial Summit on 10 November. Organized by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the event will be hosted by the Government of South Africa.
The theme for this year’s GEO Week and the Ministerial Summit is The Earth Talks, reflecting GEO’s unique ability to listen to what our planet is saying and inspire actions through trusted, open Earth observation solutions. In the run-up to the Plenary and Ministerial Summit, the meeting will demonstrate this ability through a series of community events on 6-7 November and an exhibition that will run throughout the week.
EU4OceanObs and GEO Blue Planet will hold a flash talk on 6 November on showcasing the ocean observing value chain to respond to stakeholder information needs.
For more information, click visit the event website: https://www.earthobservations.org/geoweek2023.php

Towards a new Arctic Ocean – Past, Present, Future
2023-11-07 - 2023-11-09 | Tromso, Norway
The Nansen Legacy project invites the Arctic research community to the international symposium in Tromsø, Norway, 7-9 November 2023.
Contributions and discussions across the Earth system science will shed light on and reveal regional characteristics, connections and pan-Arctic responses. Current understanding of the Arctic Ocean across disciplines and regions will be presented and discussed.

Call for abstracts open. Deadline 15 May 2023.
Symposium website: www.nansenlegacy-symposium.com
Programme overview: www.nansenlegacy-symposium.com/program/program-overview/
To register: www.nansenlegacy-symposium.com/registration/

EMODnet Open Conference 2023
2023-11-29 - 2023-11-30 | Brussels, Belgium
The EMODnet Open Conference 2023 is a public, in-person event in Brussels, Belgium. This provides a unique opportunity to gain access to cutting-edge marine data service updates, influential speakers, have your say in EMODnet’s evolution and expand your network, connecting and exchange with EMODnet experts from the EMODnet partnership, associated partners, data providers, service providers, users and wider stakeholders from Europe and around the world.
The 2023 Conference will be the first of its kind since the unification of EMODnet thematic services in January 2023. It will showcase the upgraded EMODnet Central Portal and the added value of a single entry point to discover, search, visualise and download all of EMODnet’s marine data and data products, and the value of centralised features and functionalities.
EMODnet continues to evolve. At the Conference, EMODnet experts from the full partnership will present the latest developments and innovations in EMODnet’s in situ marine data services, user-interface and infrastructure to meet user and policy needs for a digital and green future.
This will include EMODnet’s key role in the EU Digital Twin Ocean, including the creation of a common data lake between EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service. It will also discuss how the EMODnet offer is evolving in terms of diversifying data collection e.g., citizen science, filling data gaps in existing parameters, resolution and geographical scope, expanding data parameters e.g., genomics, and increasing EMODnet’s offer of marine data and knowledge for societally relevant topics e.g., coastal vulnerability, sea level rise, biodiversity etc.
Visit the conference website for more information: https://emodnetconference2023.eu/

Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership Symposium
2024-02-13 - 2024-02-14 | Brussels
“Charting the course towards a Sustainable Blue Economy” Symposium
The first Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership Symposium taking place on 13-14 February 2024 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium will bring together thought leaders, experts, and practitioners in a big-scale European event to promote the transformation towards a sustainable blue economy.
For more information, click here.

Ocean Observation and Prediction for Coastal Sustainability in Africa
2024-03-04 - 2024-03-07 | Nairobi, Kenya
Building on the outcomes of the Coastal Hazards Plenary Session and Coastline Changes workshop held during the GEO Blue Planet 5th Symposium (2022, Accra), this event will focus on identifying the priorities and needs for ocean observations and prediction to address the challenges of coastal sustainability in Africa. Presentations and discussions will leverage extensive work led by international groups on the regional strategy for sustainable marine and coastal development for Africa.

This workshop is designed to explore the role of ocean observation and prediction in addressing stakeholders needs aligned with the AU blue strategy, the UN Ocean Decade roadmap and in particular the formulation of international frameworks around four thematic areas:

Shoreline and bathymetry changes
Coastal flooding and inundation
Coastal ecosystem mapping
Coastal waters quality

Click here for more information.
Funding and technical support for this workshop is provided by the European Union through EU4OceanObs/ GEO Blue Planet EU Office.

Arctic Science Summit Week 2024
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-29
The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) is organised annually by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) to provide opportunities for coordination, cooperation and collaboration between the various scientific organisations involved in Arctic research. It was initiated by the IASC in 1999 and has evolved into the most important annual gathering of the Arctic research organisation.
The summit brings together perspectives from across national and operational/research boundaries, and centers Indigenous priorities in the conversation. Working groups at the summit link regional Arctic observing efforts into global observing systems, provide community input into SAON initiatives, connect the broader observing community with data system efforts, and highlight areas of pressing need within the observing community. The AOS facilitates these conversations through a short statement and white paper process, and plenary and breakout sessions at the summit. Recommendations generated at the summit inform decisions from the project level to the Arctic Science Ministerial. Through the AOS, the Arctic observing community works together to build a more resilient, efficient, and equitable observing system. The AOS has been a hybrid meeting since 2022.
For more information, click here.

Ocean Decade 2024 Satellite Events
2024-04-08 - 2024-04-09 | Barcelona, Spain
EU4OceanObs is supporting two satellite events in the framework of the Ocean Decade Conference 2024 in Barcelona.
8 April 2024 | 3:30 – 7:00 pm
Connecting the world around Ocean prediction: A vision for the Decade and beyond
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 prediction and a social dinner. 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.
For more information and to register: https://events.unoceanprediction.org/connecting-the-world-around-ocean-prediction

9 April 2024 | 9:30 – 11:30 am
DTO4ECOPS: Leveraging Ocean Data Networks with Cloud Technologies To Deliver the Ocean We Want, Today & Tomorrow
Co-organised by GEO Blue Planet in partnership with EDITO-Infra, Iliad and Invemar, the workshop will revisit existing ocean data sharing efforts across regions, including data & information management and capacity building initiatives and networks and take stock of ongoing ocean digital twinning efforts with a view to discuss how early career ocean professionals (ECOPs) can leverage these efforts and technologies to catalyse the successful delivery of Ocean Decade goals.
For more information and to register: https://events.edito-infra.eu/dto4ecops
Participate in a preparatory survey to gather ECOP perspectives on digital twins of the ocean for sustainable development: click here to access survey.

Ocean Decade Conference 2024
2024-04-10 - 2024-04-12 | Barcelona, Spain
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference focuses on ‘delivering the science we need for the ocean we want’. Hosted by the Government of Spain in Barcelona from 10 – 12 April 2024, the gathering will bring together the global Ocean Decade community and partners to celebrate and take stock of progress, and set joint priorities for the future. An important milestone on the path to 2030, the event will cover the full range of Ocean Decade Challenges including critical issues such as climate change, food security, sustainable management of biodiversity, sustainable ocean economy, pollution, and natural hazards.
Over three days, the conference will create a new foundation to strengthen the sustainable management of the ocean and drive science-based innovation, from global to local, leaving no one behind. In the lead up to the Conference, partners will also have the opportunity to complement the official Conference programme through Satellite Events.
For more information, visit the conference website.

9th Our Ocean Conference Greece 2024
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-17 | Athens, Greece
Greece will host the 9th Our Ocean Conference in 2024. The Conference is scheduled to take place in Athens, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, on the 16th and 17th of April. The Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit will be held parallel to the main conference, starting the day before, on the 15th of April.
The Our Ocean Conference was first launched under the initiative of the U.S. Department of State in 2014. Since then, it has gradually become a forum for dialogue that brings together governments, international organizations,academia, the private sector, and NGOs that share a common vision for the protection of the oceans and take action to support this vision.
For more information, click here.

European Maritime Day 2024
2024-05-30 - 2024-05-31 | Svendborg, Denmark
The 2024 edition of the European Maritime Day will take place in Svendborg, Denmark, on 30-31 May as a physical event, at the SIMAC Academy- Svendborg International Maritime Academy (Address: Nordre Kajgade 9A, 5700 Svendborg)
The European Maritime Day (EMD) is the annual two-day event during which Europe’s maritime community meet to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy.
The EMD is the place where ‘Ocean Leaders Meet’. It provides an engaging and completely interactive experience to catch up on the current state of play on a broad range of issues concerning the blue economy and the marine environment and to discuss ways of moving forward.
It features a large number of inspirational speakers, thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops and pitch sessions organised by stakeholders and the European Commission. The EMD targets professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia as well as EU citizens interested in the Sea.
The EMD 2024 is being organised by the European Commission, the Municipality of Svendborg and the Danish Maritime Authority.
For more information, visit https://maritime-day.ec.europa.eu/index_en

Digital Ocean Forum 2024
2024-06-12 - 2024-06-13 | Brussels, Belgium
The 3rd edition of the Digital Ocean Forum will take place from 12 to 13 June 2024 in Brussels. This annual event brings together experts, stakeholders, policymakers and interested citizens in the co-design and co-creation of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean. The first day is dedicated to a closed scientific and technical workshop, followed by a high level event on day 2. The event is hosted by the European Commission with support from Mercator Ocean International and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) – two main partners leading the development of the core infrastructure of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EDITO project).
More information coming soon.
Also see

DOF 2023 – https://research-innovation-community.ec.europa.eu/events/7Akod3Zv5fHhhQ6lRKEfgI/overview
DOF 2022 – https://www.mercator-ocean.eu/en/news/digital-ocean-forum-2022-highlights/
European Digital Twin of the Ocean – https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters/european-digital-twin-ocean-european-dto_en

G7 Science and Technology Ministerial 2024 and related events
2024-07-09 - 2024-07-12 | Bologna, Italy
9 – 11 July | G7 Science and Technology Ministerial 2024
The Science and Technology Ministers of the Group of Seven, including the European Union, will convene from 9 to 11 July 2024 in Bolognia and Forlì, Italy, to discuss the pivotal role of science and research in ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future, and to explore possible shared initiatives to achieve this goal.
The agenda includes sessions, each focusing on one of the priority themes identified by the Italian Presidency: research security and integrity, open science and science communication; large research infrastructures; research and innovation cooperation with Africa; research on new and emerging technologies, nuclear energy and space; seas, ocean, and their biodiversity.
For more information, visit: https://www.g7italy.it/en/
11 July | Conference on Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean Health and Coastal Resilience
On 11 July 2024, a high-level event, jointly organized by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research and the European Commission will take place under the framework of the G7 Science and Technology 2024. The event will address the Mediterranean macro-region and Atlantic Ocean’s health and coastal resilience towards climate related extreme events.The conference will showcase the progress made in monitoring, restoring and regenerating the ocean, seas and coastal areas, transitioning from research and innovation to local deployment, also through the development of the Digital Twin of the Ocean.
The event will feature strategic mobilization initiatives involving G7 countries, with particular focus on the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’, the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP), the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance, and the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). It will also link to international organizations and research and innovation initiatives, such as the Union for the Mediterranean and UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
For more information, click here.
12 July | G7 FSOI Workshop on Marine Research Infrastructures integration and harmonization
Organised by the G7 FSOI working group with support from the EU coordination centre supported by EU4OceanObs, the workshop aims to bring together representatives of national agencies or ministries who finance ocean observing networks, leading experts and/or managers of national or regional marine research infrastructure/observing networks, Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) national focal points, and relevant experts from the Group of Senior Officials on Global Research Infrastructures to provide advice on how other global research infrastructures have been established and operated. The worshop aims to:

Map the G7 member ocean observation systems sustained by Marine Research Infrastructure funding or other forms of long-term infrastructure investment.
Assess current limitations for transition to sustained funding for ocean observations, drawing on lessons learnt from national approaches.
Map existing common services that are shared within and between networks. Barriers that limit global infrastructure sharing and integration opportunities to draw on best practices
Define action to progress towards a common vision and strategy for the integration and harmonization of national infrastructures into a global/international research infrastructure focusing on next steps for 2025.

For more information, click here.

2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-02 | St Georges, Grenada, Saint Georges, Grenada
The 2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum will take place from 1 to 2 October 2024 in St. Georges, Grenada.
This high-level event is organized by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), under the auspices of Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. This 2-day conference aims to shape the political discussion at the regional level amongst governments, organizations, industry, academia, and financing institutions to drive investment and build sustainable sargassum value chains.

EuroGEO Workshop 2024
2024-10-08 - 2024-10-10 | Krakow, Poland
Coordinate, Combine, Cooperate
EuroGEO is the regional coordination mechanism that aims to consolidate and coordinate activities throughout Europe that contribute to GEO (Group on Earth Observations) initiatives.
Since EuroGEO’s inception, the European landscape has significantly changed. Firstly, at EU level, with the implementation of the EU Space Programme, which provides the necessary infrastructure, data, and technological advancements, whilst EuroGEO coordinates and integrates these resources to address global and regional challenges through GEO work programme activities. And secondly, at GEO level, with the adoption of the ‘post-2025’ GEO work programme, which shifts from “Earth observation” to “Earth Intelligence” and from a focus on services to equity, in order to bridge the global information gaps.
At this critical juncture, this year’s EuroGEO workshop, which will take place in Krakow from 8 to 10 October, aims to invite and mobilise the EO community to reposition EuroGEO in the light of both the evolving European landscape and GEO strategy.
The GEO Blue Planet European Office, supported by EU4OceanObs, works closely with the EuroGEO secretariat to ensure better uptake and visibility of relevant ocean and coastal related European pgorammes and actions, contributions and priorities within GEO Blue Planet and the wider GEO community.
To register and for more information, visit https://eurogeosec.eu/egw2024/

All-Atlantic Forum 2024
2024-10-08 - 2024-10-10 | Ottawa, Canada
The 2024 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum will bring together representatives from the Atlantic community, including AAORIA Partners (i.e. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Cabo Verde, the European Union, Iceland, Morocco, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States). The 2024 Forum will highlight opportunities for collaborative science including a focus on coordinating efforts on ocean observation and increasing our understanding of the relationship between ocean and climate to support coastal resilience.
The 2024 Forum will showcase the scientific coordination taking place in the context of AAORIA to help address ocean challenges. AAORIA aims to be an open community and will continue to bring in new partners to advance the goals of the All-Atlantic Declaration.
For more information, click here.

Marine User Days
2024-11-05 - 2024-11-06 | Lisbon, Portugal
The EUMETSAT Marine User Days will bring together existing and prospective users from across the diverse marine user community. Focusing on the data provided by the European organisations involved in the Copernicus programme and their role in oceanography and marine applications, the event will act as a showcase for use cases. It is also a networking opportunity for users across the value chain, and will feature a workshop to engage with user needs and feedback.
For more information, visit https://www.eumetsat.int/marine-user-days

OceanPredict Symposium (OP’24)
2024-11-18 08:00 - 2024-11-22 17:00 UTC | Paris
The OceanPredict Symposium (OP’24) will take place from 18 – 22 November 2024, with the last day reserved to the OceanPredict Science Team meeting. The overarching theme of OceanPredict ’24 will be “Advancing ocean prediction science for societal benefits” to highlight the central role played by ocean prediction in the UN Ocean Decade goals. It will invite ocean and atmospheric scientists, observation specialists, industry representatives, service providers, governments, and users of ocean data & products from across the international operational oceanography community to engage in science sessions, exhibitions and discussions to explore and define the direction of operational oceanography.
The symposium will seek to

accelerate the evolution of operational oceanography as a key component of Earth System Modeling;
identify the growing and changing needs of users and how to enhance service delivery;
align the objectives with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

A plenary session on user applications and societal observations is planned in collaboration with GEO Blue Planet.
To register, submit an abstract and more information, visit: https://www.oceanpredict24.org/

GEO Blue Planet workshops on Eutrophication and Marine Litter
2025-01-08 - 2025-01-09 | Paris
The GEO Blue Planet EU Office, supported by EU4OceanObs and hosted at Mercator Ocean International is organising two workshops in early January in Paris on:

Nutrient Monitoring Across the GEO Work Programme Workshop, click here for more info: https://geoblueplanet.org/events/nutrient-monitoring-across-the-geo-work-programme-workshop/
IMDOS 1st Steering Committee Meeting. Click here for more info: https://geoblueplanet.org/events/imdos-1st-steering-committee-meeting/

The European Ocean Days
2025-03-03 - 2025-03-07 | Brussels, Belgium
The European Ocean Days is a week-long event featuring dynamic and interconnected sessions on key maritime topics. Each day offers distinct sessions that explore themes such as the sustainable blue economy, fisheries science outcomes, actions under Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, blue investments, and stakeholder dialogues, including engagement with youth.
Highlights of the event include:

Young Voices for the Ocean, with first Youth Policy Dialogue with the Commissioner
Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters Forum, along with related events throughout the week
Fisheries and Oceans Dialogues: Help Design the European Ocean Pact
BlueInvest Day
Marine Knowledge for the Ocean Pact
Fisheries and Ocean Science Seminar: Exploring the latest scientific developments

More info: https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/theme/governance/european-ocean-days_en

Our Ocean 2025
2025-04-28 - 2025-04-30 | Busan, Korea
The 10th Our Ocean Conference has chosen the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Action’ to promote global actions for a sustainable ocean. Particularly, this 10th conference will discuss ‘Ocean Digital’ as a special agenda, focusing on means to drive ‘action’. Ocean Digital is a concept that combines the ocean industry and digital technology, serving as an implementation tool to achieve a sustainable ocean swiftly and systematically. The Our Ocean Conference gathers approximately 1,000 global leaders from various sectors, including heads of state and high-level government officials from over 100 countries, as well as representatives from more than 400 international and non-profit organizations. Together, they discuss diverse and concrete actions for a sustainable ocean.
More info: https://ourocean2025.kr/

GEO Global Forum 2025
2025-05-05 - 2025-05-09 | Rome, Italy
The inaugural GEO Global Forum in 2025 will be a premier global event to inspire all elements of our society – from Ministers and global leaders to citizens – to harness Earth Intelligence to empower informed and ambitious actions to ensure food security, restore ecosystems, prevent disasters, and confront the triple planetary crisis, transforming the Sustainable Development Goals into an achievable reality.
At the heart of the week, GEO-20 Plenary will include a Ministerial Segment and serve as the event’s centrepiece, where the GEO community will mark three key milestones in our journey:

The launch, through the first GEO Global Forum, of a dynamic platform for advancing Earth Intelligence for all.
The celebration of the GEO’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of multilateral collaboration, innovation, and impact.
The adoption of the Post-2025 Strategy Implementation Plan that must deliver the ambitious goals of GEO’s Post-2025 Strategy

The Schedule at a glance

Community Events: 5-6 May
GEO-20 Plenary and Ministerial sessions: 7-8 May
Exhibition: 5-8 May
Site visit: 9 May
GEO Youth Ideathon: 1-9 May

The full schedule is available here: https://earthobservations.org/about-us/events/geo-global-forum-2025/schedule
Ocean-related events not to miss
Monday 5: Bringing Ocean Observation and Prediction to Decision Makers for the Benefit of Society GEO Community Event Session hosted by GEO Blue Planet Initiative, the ocean and coastal arm of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
Tuesday 6: Join GEO Blue Planet’s Audrey Hasson at the Copernicus: Earth Observation Services in Support of EU Policies, Market Uptake and Broader Earth Intelligence Community Event Session
Tuesday 6: the Digital Twin of the Ocean: from Observations to Impact and a Resilient & Inclusive Blue Economy
May 5 – 8: Meet the Expert: Overview of Copernicus Marine Service with Muriel Lux from Mercator Ocean. Sessions take place daily.
May 5 – 8: Meet the Expert: Explore the Copernicus Coastal and Arctic Hubs with Muriel Lux from Mercator Ocean. Sessions take place daily.
May 5 – 9: Visit the GEO Blue Planet booth and the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) booth in the Exhibition Area. GEO Blue Planet will be on hand to talk about their activities and show two new videos. DG DEFIS will be showcasing the Copernicus Marine Service and other Copernicus services.

One Ocean Science Congress
2025-06-03 - 2025-06-06 | Nice, France
A UNOC3 Special Event dedicated to Science
CNRS and IFREMER have been tasked with organizing the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), a UNOC3 Special Event dedicated to Science, and to provide Heads of State, Government, and the broader society, with comprehensive scientific insights on the Ocean’s health and future trajectory. Science-informed decisions should enable the conservation and sustainable use of the Ocean, optimize the solutions it offers, and safeguard the services and benefits it provides to humanity.
About the One Ocean Science Congress
The Congress will feature a mix of plenary sessions, including opening and keynote speeches, alongside parallel oral and poster presentations. To enhance interactions between science and society, action and policy, and to engage civil society more broadly, ‘townhalls’ such as panels and roundtables will also be arranged.
More information, including the full schedule: https://one-ocean-science-2025.org
Some sessions not to miss
Tuesday 3 June: Presentation – The Integrated Marine Debris Observing Systems : Global monitoring to support research and decision making
Initiated during the OceanObs’19 Conference, where scientists highlighted the need for advancing a harmonized approach to marine debris monitoring, the Integrated Marine Debris Observing System (IMDOS) aims to support the development of a global interoperable marine debris monitoring system. The need for comprehensive and coordinated monitoring is more relevant than ever today in the context of the Global Plastic Treaty. Thus, the implementation of IMDOS will benefit not only the research community, but also policy- and decision-makers and the private sector.
As a coordination body, IMDOS mission is to provide guidance to lead the marine debris community in establishing a sustained global observing system covering the global Ocean Observation value chain. The observing system encompasses three complimentary approaches that inform one another: in situ observations, remote sensing and numerical modelling, but also covers different ocean ecosystems: from the sea surface, coasts to open ocean, and down to the deep seafloor. IMDOS also promotes the integration of a range of observing elements, from citizen science initiatives to advanced technological tools, endorsing the use of state-of-the-art techniques throughout the monitoring process.
IMDOS’ vision entails harmonising existing framework guidelines towards globally recognized standards, ensuring robust and sustainable monitoring of marine debris. By doing so, future efforts will generate adequate, FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse), and open data to fill knowledge gaps and to address diverse stakeholder needs with actionable information.
IMDOS is organized in 11 Task Teams, clustered into Thematic Data, Technical Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement. A Call for Participation to join the network was launched in July 2024 and generated about 100 answers. Following that Call, members of the Steering Committee were appointed and tasked, at their first meeting, to elaborate the functioning of the Task Teams. The One Ocean Science Congress will be the occasion to present IMDOS activities and foster global coordination.
Tuesday 3 June: Presentation- Leveraging Earth Observation for Sustainable Fisheries: GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Working Group’s Strategic Framework
The GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Working Group (FWG) is supporting sustainable fisheries resource management through advanced Earth observation (EO) technologies. Focused on addressing critical challenges like  overfishing, climate impacts, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the FWG aims to fill data gaps, improve decision-making, and foster international collaboration.
Its strategic framework, outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToR),  prioritizes the development of interoperable EO tools that combine remote sensing (e.g. satellite imagery) and in situ observations, and predictive models. This enables stakeholders to monitor fisheries stocks, habitat conditions, and ecological dynamics more efficiently and implement evidence-based decisions that protect marine resources and biodiversity​. The FWG efforts center on three key areas: stakeholder engagement, scientific and technical cooperation, and capacity building. By enhancing local, regional and global capacity to use EO tools the group  supports practices aligned with global goals.
Looking ahead, the FWG is planning to host a workshop in 2025, ”Earth Observation and Prediction for Global Sustainable Fisheries Management,” to engage international organizations, regional fisheries bodies, and technical experts to address data limitations, share innovative EO applications, and enhance fisheries management practices.
Thursday 5 June: Poster – Bringing Sargassum Observation and Prediction to Decision Makers
The Sargassum Working Group (SWG) of GEO Blue Planet will showcase its activities, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by Sargassum seaweed blooms across the tropical Atlantic and coastal regions. Since 2011, Sargassum blooms have affected coastal communities, harming tourism, fishing, health, and ecosystems. The SWG is working on innovative monitoring, prediction, and response strategies to mitigate these impacts. By advancing remote sensing, in situ observation, and predictive modeling, the group enhances real-time detection, forecasting, and data sharing, following FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).
The SWG has been recognised as the monitoring and prediction expert group of the UNESCO/IOC and the UNEP Cartagena Convention SPAW RAC.
Key initiatives include establishing an Integrated Observing System to coordinate data from various sources and continuing the development of the Sargassum Information Hub to centralize information on monitoring and prediction. Additionally, the SWG is working to design community-led decision-support tools to help local stakeholders respond effectively. A priority for SWG is fostering international and regional cooperation, advancing technical standards for data interoperability, and engaging citizen scientists. This collaborative, data-driven approach aims to create robust early-warning systems and deliver actionable insights for sustainable coastal management and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in affected regions
Monday 2 – 13 June: European Digital Ocean Pavilion
The European Digital Ocean Pavilion ill offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore EU’s advancements in ocean knowledge and monitoring. Through a series of events and exhibitions from 2 to 13 June, attendees can discover cutting-edge EU assets and technologies. Located in the Green Zone – The Whale, the Pavilion is organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in partnership with the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), with Mercator Ocean International as the implementation partner.
Learn more: https://www.digitaloceanpavilion.eu/

UN Ocean Conference 2025
2025-06-09 - 2025-06-13 | Nice, France
The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference (UNOC3) to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.
The overarching theme of UNOC3 is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
More information including the full schedule: https://unocnice2025.org/
Some sessions not to miss
Tuesday 10 June: GEO Blue Planet Sargassum Side-event to UNOC3 (Green Zone)
In the backdrop of the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, GEO Blue Planet organises an event to promote international action on the Sargassum crisis, together with partners including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), UNEP Cartagena Convention’s Biodiversity Protocol (SPAW RAC), Trinidad and Tobago’s Institute of Maritime Affairs, Expertise france, ADEME, Mercator Ocean International, the University of South Florida.
Held in the Nice Mama Shelter Hotel on the afternoon of 10 June 2025, the event will welcome about 100 invited participants to discuss the state of the art of knowledge, the integration of all levels from its observation at sea to its valorization and synergies of actions across the region.
More information: https://geoblueplanet.org/events/sargassum_unoc3/
Thursday 12 June: GEO Blue Planet Sargassum Side-event to UNOC3 (Green Zone)
In the backdrop of the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, GEO Blue Planet organises an event to promote the Integrated Marine Debris Observing System (IMDOS).
Held in the Nice Mama Shelter Hotel on the afternoon of 12 June 2025, the event will welcome about 100 invited participants to discuss the state of the art of knowledge, the integration of all levels of observation and prediction and synergies of actions.
More information: https://geoblueplanet.org/events/imdos_unoc3/
Monday 2 – 13 June: European Digital Ocean Pavilion
The European Digital Ocean Pavilion will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore EU’s advancements in ocean knowledge and monitoring. Through a series of events and exhibitions from 2 to 13 June, attendees can discover cutting-edge EU assets and technologies. Located in the Green Zone – The Whale, the Pavilion is organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in partnership with the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), with Mercator Ocean International as the implementation partner.
Sessions include :

Marine Pollution: Delve into discussions around SDG 14 solutions for addressing oceanic pollution
The EU and the Ocean value chain: Explore how space technologies foster global cooperation and informed decisions for ocean health
The EU and the Marine Observing Infrastructures: Learn how regional networks, carbon monitoring, and global indicators drive the EU’s sustainable ocean governance

More information: https://www.digitaloceanpavilion.eu/

8th Euro-Argo Science Meeting
2025-09-23 - 2025-09-25 | Crete, Greece
“The 8th Euro-Argo Science Meeting will be held on 23-25 September 2025, in HCMR premises in Crete, Greece, as part of the Euro-Argo ONE project. It will be possible to follow oral presentations online but it will not be possible to interact with other attendees and to participate in poster/demo sessions.
In addition to thematic sessions featuring poster and oral presentations, an argopy training and a Mediterranean Workshop will be organised as side events.”

2025 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance Forum
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-26 | Brussels, Belgium
“The European Union will host the 2025 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum, bringing together AAORIA Partners and stakeholders from across the Atlantic Ocean. This is your chance to be part of an inspiring and welcoming community dedicated to advancing ocean science, innovation, and cooperation from pole to pole. The Forum is open to all, so do not miss this unique opportunity to:

Join dynamic conversations highlighting how the Alliance strengthens international cooperation around the Atlantic;
Connect with the Atlantic community through engaging dialogues and inspiring sessions;
Discover how AAORIA drives research and innovation, including aligning its R&I goals of a sustainable and inclusive green economy;
Contribute to the implementation of the All-Atlantic Declaration;
Get to know other key players operating in the Atlantic sphere, such as the Atlantic & Arctic Lighthouse of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters.

The Forum will be the key moment to set the upcoming priorities for AAORIA. This year’s Forum intends to show its commitment to the future of AAORIA and to serve the local communities by continuing to work through ocean science diplomacy to promote a sustainable green and blue transition.”

EuroGEO workshop
2025-10-13 - 2025-10-15 | The Hague, Netherlands
EuroGEO is the regional coordination mechanism that aims to consolidate and coordinate activities throughout Europe that contribute to GEO (Group on Earth Observations) initiatives. Τhis year’s EuroGEO workshop, which will take place in Hague, Netherlands from 13 to 15 October, is jointly organized by the European Commission, the EuroGEO Secretariat and the Netherlands Space Office. The EuroGEO Workshop 2025 aims to accelerate the delivery of Earth Intelligence by strengthening Europe’s contributions to the GEO Work Programme, reinforcing the links to Copernicus, and aligning research, innovation, and national coordination with global and European priorities. This workshop will:

Set a strategic vision for Earth Intelligence in Europe by connecting policy drivers, user needs, and operational capabilities — including outcomes from the 2025 GEO Forum.
Showcase European contributions to GEO focus areas, highlighting best practices and gaps in the alignment between GEO, Copernicus, Horizon Europe, and national programmes.
Advance research and innovation for the downstream Earth Observation (EO) sector through structured sessions on the Copernicus SRIA, fostering community input, identifying partnerships, and defining investment and operational pathways.
Mobilize EuroGEO Action Groups to deliver actionable priorities and recommendations for their respective domains, including contributions to the evolution of Copernicus Services and future R&I activities.
Engage youth and startups, showcasing next-generation EO innovation and identifying how EuroGEO can better support emerging actors in the EO ecosystem.
Strengthen national coordination and governance, through exchange on national GEO strategies, Joint Action Plans, and synergies between Member States and European programmes.
Co-design the EuroGEO Implementation Plan, drawing on the outputs of each session to define strategic directions, community contributions, and mechanisms for sustained European impact within GEO.
