International panel
for ocean sustainability
Towards an
Welcome to the Towards IPOS initiative
The ocean's sustainability is at risk, and urgent action is needed. The International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) is an emerging body aiming to support states and accelerate the implementation of their international commitments for the sustainable management and conservation of the ocean. This initiative is currently in its seminal phase and the concept is still under broad consultation.
As we progress through this formative period, don't hesitate you to share your insights and suggestions.
Why
The ocean is essential for all life on Earth, and it is urgent to ensure its sustainability as ocean health is harmed by human activities such as overfishing, climate change, and pollution. Ocean sustainability is therefore an essential and urgent topic to be addressed. To date, insufficient progress has been made on meeting collectively agreed sustainability targets and objectives under various international agreements, treaties and frameworks, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
Today, there is a clear need and an opportunity for a new mechanism consolidating fragmented knowledge from multiple reports and numerous stakeholders to address the priority needs of decision-makers. This could be done by bringing together transdisciplinary expertise (natural, social, and economic sciences) as well as knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, private sector and civil society, and marginalised communities.
Consultation
The Towards IPOS project is currently engaged in developing and refining the potential future IPOS mission, governance, participatory approach, financial model and partnerships, all of which will form foundational building blocks of the future IPOS. Broad consultations are ongoing to ensure co-design of the IPOS concept.
Upcoming events
Latest event
Empowering Small-Scale Fisheries for COP16: Capacity Building Session
October 20, 2024
Inclusivity of diverse knowledge lies at the core of IPOS’s mission, a goal that is simple to express but challenging to realize. As we work toward establishing IPOS, we are building connections with ocean practitioners to explore pathways for meaningful collaboration on targeted projects.
IPOS, alongside Swedbio, the ICCA Consortium, Fundación Quantum, and the Universidad de Magdalena, supported a session on capacity building for small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Cali, Colombia, hosted by CoopeSoliDar R.L. Representatives from SSF movements across Latin America gathered to discuss human rights, sustainable practices, and equitable marine conservation. The session prepared SSF leaders for COP16, emphasizing unity, advocacy, and the recognition of traditional knowledge in policy making. This collaborative effort aimed to empower SSF voices for impactful participation on an international stage.
Towards IPOS: Shaping Ocean-Knowledge-Policy interfaces
In August 2024, the Towards IPOS initiative and the Executive Secretary of PainelMar attended meetings with Brazilian authorities and co-organized a G20/O20 Ocean Dialogues event. The mission aimed to connect local ocean governance with global efforts, emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration and showcasing case studies from Brazil and South Africa to highlight the importance of producing relevant, demand-driven knowledge for sustainable development.
Meeting report, August 2024
Latest publication
Roadmap
Our objective is to present the concept of the IPOS at UNOC-3, with a clear vision of what the IPOS will be, how it will work, what its governance will be, how it will be funded.
"Mother Nature in the Boardroom" a film in support of Towards IPOS
This must-watch short film by Craig Foster and voiced by Dr. Jane Goodall, delivers a powerful message: our future depends on how we care for the natural world. As Mother Nature warns in the film, “You cannot keep drawing down on me without getting into debt—a debt that threatens all life."
🏢Premiering during Climate Week NYC, this film urges leaders to make biodiversity a top priority in every boardroom decision.
Created in support of Towards IPOS, Mother Nature in the Boardroom calls for global action to ensure a thriving planet for future generations.🌍
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About the Ocean Sustainability Foundation
The Ocean Sustainability Foundation, hosted by the CNRS Foundation, gathers a team of ocean scientists and experts catalyzing their efforts towards the implementation of the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS)
