Presentation
This Policy Brief produced by the International Scientific Committee of the One Ocean Science Congress identifies concrete steps to link knowledge systems with decision-making and strengthen ocean health, resilience, and inclusive prosperity.
IDDRI extends its sincere thanks to the authors of this Policy Brief for their valuable contribution in the lead-up to the third United Nations Ocean Conference. Science plays a vital role in the governance of the ocean and coastal areas, and this paper rightly highlights that imperative. We urge States to heed the call of the scientific community, to increase investment in scientific research, to maintain its openness and accessibility as a global common good, and to establish mechanisms that facilitate its integration into policy-making processes. The future of the ocean is at stake.
Suggested Citation
Gattuso J.-P. et al. (2025). Knowledge for a thriving ocean. IDDRI and Europe Jacques Delors. Paris, 4 p. doi:10.5281/zenodo.15533851
List of authors
- Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IDDRI (France)
- François Houllier, Institut français de recherche pour l’exploitation de la mer (France)
- Janine Adams, Nelson Mandela University (South Africa)
- Diva Amon, University of California, Santa Barbara (USA)
- Tamatoa Bambridge, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (French Polynesia)
- William Cheung, University of British Columbia (Canada)
- Sanae Chiba, North Pacific Marine Science Organization (Canada/Japan)
- Jorge Cortés, University of Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
- Carlos M. Duarte, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia)
- Thomas Frölicher, University of Bern (Switzerland)
- Stefan Gelcich, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Chile)
- Jessica Gephart, University of Washington (USA)
- Kristina Gjerde, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (USA)
- Deborah Greaves, University of Plymouth (UK)
- Peter M. Haugan, Institute of Marine Research (Norway)
- Daoji Li, East China Normal University (China)
- Mere Takoko, Pacific Whale Fund (New Zealand)
- Arthur Tuda, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (Tanzania)
Key Messages
- In an era of rising uncertainty, open and shared knowledge is our first line of defense. Without strong and efficient knowledge-sharing systems, we cannot assess risks, guide marine policy, or build adaptive capacity.
- Strengthening science and knowledge is a political choice. Ocean research—from biodiversity monitoring and deep-sea exploration to climate modeling—remains underfunded. Rising military and commercial conflicts risks weakening vital investment in knowledge creation and sharing. Prioritizing knowledge in budgets and cooperation is key to meeting global ocean goals and building a regenerative blue economy.
- Integrating diverse knowledge systems makes decisions more legitimate, relevant, and fair. Indigenous, local, and scientific knowledge should be connected through knowledge co-production with stakeholders and right-holders, and this should become standard practice.
- Knowledge must lead to action. Investment in knowledge can drive measurable outcomes—from ecosystem restoration to marine resource management and resilience in coastal communities.
- UN Ocean Conferences should be a defining moment to secure a knowledge-based ocean future. UNOC3 offers a rare chance to align leadership, policy, and funding for inclusive partnerships and lasting impact.
