The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UNDOSSD) officially began on 1 January 2021. Until the end of 2030 – and let's hope afterwards as well –, we are joining forces worldwide to achieve the 14th sustainable development goal (SDG 14: ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’). UNDOSSD is also aimed at achieving other ocean-related SDGs such as combating climate change and preventing the loss of biodiversity.
The Belgian authorities mandated VLIZ to organise a secretariat so as to coordinate the Flemish and Belgian contribution to the Decade of Ocean Science. The launch of this so-called Belgium National Decade Committee (NDC) took place on 2 December 2022 during the Guidance Committee meeting of the VLIZ Scientific Committee. In addition to the marine research groups, participants from both private and public sectors attended the launch. The department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI), the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), the Provincial Development Agency (POM) of West Flanders, Blue Cluster, maritime companies, the European Marine Board and NGOs were also represented.
As Director of International Relations at VLIZ, Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet is in charge of the NDC. In this role, she is supported by International Liaison Officer Juana Jimenez, who was hired in 2022. In addition to an open meeting, the NDC will also comprise a core group. The core group is tasked with addressing the Ocean Decade challenges with solid actions. The group consists of government representatives as well as research and innovation actors, and is open to anyone who would like to participate with concrete contributions. The first core group meeting is scheduled for May 2023.
For its activities, the Belgium NDC will work closely together with the secretariat of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) in Paris, which has been mandated by the United Nations to implement the Ocean Decade.