UN approves the 3rd Global Ocean Assessment

The 3rd Global Ocean Assessment on the State of the Ocean, including socio-economic aspects, was approved in late December during a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. This report presents the most recent global scientific synthesis of the state of the marine environment, the main drivers of pressure, and the social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with ongoing changes in the ocean.

Internationally known as the Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III), the report results from the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, a United Nations mechanism that ensures a strong link between scientific knowledge and global policy decision-making.

The overall structure of the report is available on the United Nations' official website. The Executive Summary, which constitutes an official parliamentary document of the United Nations General Assembly, is also publicly accessible.

Among the experts who contributed to this report is Maria João Bebianno, Professor Emerita and researcher at the Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, a research unit integrated in ARNET – Aquatic Research Network. The participation of Portuguese researchers in this process reinforces the national contribution to the production of internationally relevant scientific knowledge.

The report provides an integrated analysis of key topics, including physical and chemical changes in the ocean, biodiversity loss, pollution, climate change, ocean governance, and the relationship between marine systems and human well-being. For the first time, this global assessment also systematically incorporates cross-cutting dimensions, including socio-economic aspects, equity, Indigenous and local community knowledge, and pathways towards the sustainable use of marine resources.

The official launch of the 3rd Global Ocean Assessment on the State of the Ocean is scheduled for April, during an international ceremony promoted by the United Nations. This milestone will further strengthen the science–policy interface and the availability of robust scientific information to support decisions on ocean conservation and sustainable management.

MARE highlights this contribution as an example of the active involvement of national research in global scientific processes with direct impact on public policies and ocean governance.

Text: Vera Sequeira