The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable
Development has begun, and with it there is a global
opportunity to come together to create new ideas, solutions,
applications and partnerships to connect ocean science with
the needs of society. This initiative will provide the stimulus
for strengthening the connections needed to develop
innovative approaches to address the current challenges
facing our global oceans and achieve the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
“The Decade will provide a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity
to create a new foundation, across the science-policy
interface, to strengthen the management of our oceans
and coasts for the benefit of humanity.”
–UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable
Development
The Government of Canada has launched its Blue Economy
Strategy that will focus on building a sustainable blue
economy for Canada through a comprehensive approach
and steadfast commitments to ocean protection as well
as production and prosperity. Informed by The Ocean
Decade, this strategy will support ocean innovation and
position Canada to be at the forefront of the development
of new and groundbreaking technologies to achieve greater
resilience and innovation that will drive both ocean health
and economic prosperity. Through our shared knowledge
of the oceans, Canada will build a sustainable blue economy
that can provide economic opportunities, empower coastal
communities, transport our people and goods, as well as
provide innovative solutions to global challenges.
“Together, we are able to harness scientific research and
innovative technology to protect the health of our ocean
and create better, more sustainable ways of working on
the water.”
-The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
As one of the most comprehensive institutions of its kind
in North America the Fisheries and Marine Institute of
Memorial University of Newfoundland’s unique academic,
training and research programs have established strong
connections with key marine sectors that are integral to the
successful development and implementation of Canada’s
Blue Economy Strategy. With its vision for the future to
guide the Newfoundland and Labrador to the world through
global leadership in applied oceans education and research,
the Marine Institute recognizes the significance of the
opportunity The Ocean Decade presents and is positioned to
play a leading role in connecting global leaders across ocean
sectors to explore partnerships and new business models
that support both ocean heath and economic prosperity,
ultimately positioning Canada as a leader in the global blue
economy.
To facilitate these connections and discussions, MI is hosting
Propelling the Blue Economy: Connecting Our Oceans,
Our People, Our Future, a three-day virtual symposium
being held November 23-25, 2021, that will bring together
leading scientists, researchers, government representatives,
industry stakeholders, NGOs and Indigenous and coastal
communities to exchange and share their experiences
and ideas on all aspects of The Ocean Decade. This event
will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers,
practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most
recent innovations, trends, and solutions to assist in the
development of a common framework going forward that will
contribute to the development a sustainable blue economy
for Canada.