The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a joint Call for Partnerships to advance the project “Strengthening stewardship through cooperation in an economically and biologically significant high seas area – the Sargasso Sea.” The initiative aims to provide scientific and technical expertise to support governance and conservation in this unique and critical marine ecosystem.
The Sargasso Sea plays a vital role in global ocean health, sustaining biodiversity, carbon cycling, and migratory species of ecological and economic importance. However, it faces increasing pressure from human activities, revealing gaps in existing governance mechanisms for areas beyond national jurisdiction. Addressing these challenges requires stronger international cooperation and more robust scientific knowledge.
Approved in 2020 under the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Common Oceans ABNJ programme, the project is financed through the GEF’s International Waters focal area with a budget of nearly USD 3 million over four years. Jointly implemented by UNDP and the IOC, it promotes cross-sectoral stewardship of the Sargasso Sea by enhancing scientific understanding and improving cooperative governance. The initiative is closely aligned with the newly adopted BBNJ Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, showcasing how science, governance, and collaboration can work together to conserve marine biodiversity beyond national borders.
The Call for Partnerships seeks expertise to complete the Socio-Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis, conduct ecosystem valuation and cost-benefit studies, and develop a Strategic Action Programme for the Sargasso Sea. It will also support defining ecosystem quality objectives, identifying monitoring needs, and building partnerships to ensure long-term conservation and observation.
By contributing to this project, selected partners will help strengthen stewardship of the Sargasso Sea while providing a model for managing other high seas ecosystems. The outcomes will reinforce the precautionary approach under UNCLOS and advance Sustainable Development Goal 14 on ocean conservation. The Call for Partnerships is open until 13 October 2025 at 17:00 CEST.
