Canada's official launch of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is on March 3, 2021, from 11:00 - 14:00 EST.
The event, hosted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), will take the form of a virtual workshop. This format will give OFI and other members of Canada's ocean community the opportunity to show what Canada has to offer to the Ocean Decade internationally by providing input on vision and actions.
As a leader in the ocean space, OFI is thinking carefully about its role in the UN Ocean Decade. We need to collaborate with international partners, but also need to identify the areas of strength we want to gain momentum with. We have identified four priority areas to focus on for the Ocean Decade: Ocean Data, Indigenous Engagement, Graduate Training, and Ocean Literacy.
Ocean Data
Over time, our ability to collect ocean data has increased tremendously, especially as we've gained access to automated technologies. With so much data being collected, we need to ensure we are collecting the right data, with and for the right people, and sharing it the right way.
- Data collection should be focused to match the needs of communities and the issues they want to address
- With such large quantities and types of data being collected, collaborations with data-focused groups such as CIOOS and GOOS are critical
- Data should be communicated in ways that are meaningful and useful for those receiving it
- We should be building capacity for effective data visualization and communication at the graduate level
Indigenous Engagement
Indigenous engagement was recognized as a key priority for the UN Ocean Decade at the North Atlantic Regional Workshop hosted by OFI in 2020. Partnerships with Indigenous communities and researchers are key, and there are many learning opportunities for Western Science groups.
- Relationships are important, and we need to be creating intentional spaces for research collaborations
- Integrating Western Science with Indigenous Knowledge is a challenge, and we need to consider this process carefully and the cases in which it may not be appropriate
- Indicators of success traditionally used in Western Science may not be applicable in Indigenous contexts
Graduate Training
Training has been a focus of OFI since its inception, and we've recently expanded this aspect with OGEN, our Ocean Graduate Excellence Network. OFI aims to catalyze effective, transdisciplinary graduate training through partnerships with industry and government.
- If we map international activities and organizations, we can identify opportunities to unify groups and form training partnerships
- We can build capacity for transdisciplinary research by training graduates to work across natural, social, and applied sciences, engineering, and humanities
Ocean Literacy
Ocean literacy is a priority for OFI, mainly delivered through Ocean School and our founding partnership with the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition. Ocean literacy can be improved during the Ocean Decade by focusing on science communication, youth, and partnerships.
- There is a need for more and better science communication, from and for diverse audiences
- Youth engagement is critical to raise awareness of ocean opportunities, and there is a need to increase social injustices for youth by raising awareness in decision-makers and other community stakeholders
- International engagement is key, and Canada can continue to lead through the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition
