2021-2030: A Decade of Possibilities for Those Working on Marine Conservation

Abstract

The year 2021 marks a new systematic change in how the world's oceans and marine resources are managed through the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Changes are being made to understand and address the lack of equal representation among stakeholders which has stifled everything from ocean research to the marginalization of the members who operate small-scale fisheries. In addition, the next generation of stakeholders including: student researchers, local environmental advocates, and up-and-coming fisherfolk need to be engaged early on in the process. Part of the solution to address these challenges needs to be focused on bringing in and supporting smaller industry players who do not benefit from the economies of scale and the access to internet platforms that provide free unfettered access to share information and collaborate. One key group that required more funding is the youth interested in conservation. This decade will play a pivotal role in providing a unified framework across the UN system to help achieve ocean conservation.