April 10-12th, 2024
The recent UN Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona from April 10th to 12th garnered significant attention, with Natalia Ospina-Alvarez, representing OCEANIDS at the event, standing out as a proud delegate from the AIR Centre – Atlantic International Research Centre. Natalia’s reflections on the conference underline the imperative for active engagement in such global platforms. She stressed the necessity of participation in these initiatives to drive the changes essential for safeguarding our oceans. According to her, listening to the voices of coastal communities is pivotal in crafting solutions that resonate with the needs and challenges faced by these communities, advocating for a community-centric approach to ocean conservation.
The climax of the conference was marked by the release of the Barcelona Statement, a seminal document delineating priority areas for action during the Ocean Decade. This statement serves as a guiding light, aligning seamlessly with OCEANIDS’ core mission of incorporating community perspectives into its blue economy strategies. It underscores the commitment to foster resilience and inclusivity within ocean governance frameworks. The Barcelona Statement thus stands as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and equitable future for our oceans.
