The European Union and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have joined forces to strengthen global ocean observation through a new International Alliance supporting the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The initiative aims to improve access to ocean data, enhance climate resilience and support sustainable ocean management worldwide.
The partnership is part of the EU’s OceanEye initiative, which recognises ocean observation as essential infrastructure for understanding climate change, protecting marine ecosystems and improving maritime safety. The programme focuses on building stronger international cooperation and long-term investment in ocean science.
The International Alliance will bring together governments, research organisations and global partners to improve the coordination of ocean monitoring efforts. It will address major gaps in observation coverage, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, Arctic regions, deep oceans and coastal areas.
GOOS, led by the IOC of UNESCO, provides a global framework for collecting and sharing ocean information. The system supports weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and sustainable ocean economies.
The initiative also highlights the growing role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in ocean science. Improved ocean data systems can help researchers develop better models and support decision-making for environmental protection and marine resource management.
During Digital Ocean Week in Brussels, the IOC and Mercator Ocean International strengthened cooperation to support GOOS and advance digital ocean capabilities. The collaboration aims to connect scientific expertise with modern data technologies.
The next phase of the initiative will be presented at the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, where international partners will discuss commitments to strengthen global ocean observation networks.
As oceans face increasing environmental pressures, the EU and UNESCO partnership represents a major step toward building a more resilient and sustainable future. By investing in ocean knowledge and cooperation, the initiative aims to support climate action, biodiversity conservation and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
