5 + 5 OCEAN DECADE CONFERENCE 2025

5 + 5 OCEAN DECADE CONFERENCE 2025

(Contextualizing ‘UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030’)

Organized by: Global Science Academy (www.gsaindia.org)

Focal Theme: Charting Half a Decade, Shaping the Next Five Years: Achievements and Aspirations for a Sustainable Ocean

Date: World Ocean Day (08) June 2025

Location: New Delhi, India

“We must plant the sea and herd its animals, using the sea as farmers instead of hunters. That is what civilization is all about—farming replacing hunting.” This everlasting quote by oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997) serves as a powerful reminder of the need for sustainable practices in our oceans today. Also, he once superbly said, ‘People don’t realize that water in the liquid state is very rare in the universe. It is our basic duty, if we don’t want to commit suicide, to preserve it.’

The Global Science Academy (GSA) is a non-profit organization based in Basti, Uttar Pradesh (India) working on spectrum of topics pertaining to Science, Ocean Science, Environment and societal issues since 1996. Around the past three decades, GSA, aligned various development goals with that of the United Nations’ (UN) and engaged dedicatedly, through its activities, towards the success of UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 along with other wide-ranging initiatives on Climate-Change Mitigation and others. The GSA also has the history of successfully completing Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO) endorsed activity which included Summer School on ‘Climate Change and Role of Ocean’.

About the Conference

With the history of around three decades of dedicated service to the science, environment, society and humanity, the Global Science Academy (GSA) – as India’s prominent Civil Society, is organizing the ‘5 + 5 OCEAN DECCADE CONFERENCE’ (contextualizing ‘UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030’) at NEW DELHI (INDIA) on World Ocean Day (08^th June 2025). This conference marks the halfway point of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and which would also help to upkeep the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG-14) i.e. the goal which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. The Conference’ Focal Theme is: “Charting Half a Decade, Shaping the Next Five Years: Achievements and Aspirations for a Sustainable Ocean”. The Conference will bring together participation from a wide variety of interests to discuss on varied key themes and sessions’ topics by bearing in mind the focal theme. Worthwhile to mention that GSA’s this Conference has rather been planned in 2023 and already announced through its organizational newsletter, “GSA Newsletter” in its 27^th Foundation Day issue in 2023.

The key themes and topics of the Conference sessions, as aligned with the goals of the UN Ocean Decade, include:

Key Themes:

• Climate Change and the Ocean
  • Impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems
  • Role of the ocean in climate regulation

• • Blue carbon sequestration and coastal ecosystems
  • Ocean renewable energy potential
  • Marine geoengineering and its implications

• Marine Pollution, Conservation and Sustainable Ocean Economy
  • Plastic pollution and microplastics
  • Nutrient pollution and eutrophication
  • Marine protected areas and biodiversity conservation
  • Blue economy and sustainable development

• Circular economy solutions to combat plastic pollution in waterways (rivers, seas and oceans) with emphasis on innovation and partnership

• • Fisheries management and sustainable seafood
  • Marine tourism and coastal communities
• Ocean Governance and Policy
  • International cooperation and ocean governance
  • Equity and justice in ocean access and benefits
  • Role of traditional knowledge and indigenous communities

• Ocean Health and Human Health
  • Connections between marine health and human health
  • Impact of ocean pollution on seafood safety
  • Role of oceans in disease prevention and treatment
• Ocean Technology and Innovation
  • Emerging technologies for ocean exploration and monitoring
  • Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in ocean science

• • Advances in ocean technology and research
  • Citizen science initiatives and public engagement

The conference is comprised of four distinct sessions:

Session-1: Ocean Stewardship and Sustainable Futures

Overview:

This session aims to explore the interconnectedness of ocean health and human well-being, highlighting the importance of ocean literacy, biodiversity conservation, innovative technologies, and ocean-based climate solutions.

Key Topics:

1. Ocean Literacy and Education:
   • Promoting public awareness and understanding of ocean issues
   • Developing educational programs and resources for all ages
   • Fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the ocean
2. Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health:
   • Assessing and conserving marine biodiversity
   • Addressing threats like overfishing, pollution, and climate change
   • Promoting sustainable marine resource management
3. Ocean Health and Human Health:
   • Exploring the connections between ocean health and human well-being
   • Understanding the impact of ocean-related issues on human health
   • Promoting public health initiatives linked to ocean conservation
4. Ocean Technology and Innovation:
   • Discussing emerging technologies for ocean exploration and conservation
   • Examining the potential of AI, robotics, and remote sensing
   • Exploring innovative solutions for sustainable ocean management
5. Ocean-Based Climate Solutions:
   • Harnessing the ocean’s potential for mitigating climate change
   • Discussing carbon sequestration, renewable energy, and coastal adaptation
   • Promoting international cooperation for ocean-based climate action

Session-2: Ocean Governance and Sustainable Development

Overview:

This session aims to explore the interconnectedness of sustainable fisheries management, marine protected areas, the blue economy, ocean governance, and equitable ocean affairs. It will highlight the importance of balancing economic growth with ocean conservation and ensuring that the benefits of the ocean are shared equitably.

Key Topics:

1. Sustainable Fisheries Management:
   • Ensuring healthy fish stocks and sustainable livelihoods
   • Implementing effective fisheries management measures
   • Promoting sustainable fishing practices and reducing overfishing
2. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
   • Assessing the effectiveness of marine conservation areas
   • Addressing challenges in establishing and managing MPAs
   • Promoting the expansion of MPA networks
3. Blue Economy and Sustainable Development:
   • Promoting economic growth while protecting the ocean
   • Identifying and supporting sustainable ocean-based industries
   • Balancing economic development with environmental conservation
4. Ocean Governance and International Cooperation:
   • Strengthening global cooperation for ocean sustainability
   • Addressing issues like illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUU)
   • Promoting international agreements and frameworks for ocean management
5. Equity and Justice in Ocean Affairs:
   • Addressing the needs of coastal communities and developing countries
   • Ensuring equitable access to ocean resources and benefits
   • Promoting sustainable development pathways that benefit all

Session-3: Ocean Pollution and Sustainability

Overview:

This session aims to explore the various threats posed by marine pollution, including plastic pollution, microplastics, ocean acidification, and the associated impacts on marine ecosystems and human health. It will also discuss the potential of ocean-based renewable energy as a sustainable solution.

Key Topics:

1. Marine Plastic Pollution and Sustainable Ocean Economy:

1. • Sources of marine plastic pollution
   • Impacts on marine ecosystems and wildlife
   • Mitigation strategies, including waste reduction, recycling, and cleanup efforts
   • Circular economy solutions to combat plastic pollution in waterways (rivers, seas and oceans) with emphasis on innovation and partnership

2. Microplastics and Nanoplastics:

1. • Emerging threats of microplastics and nanoplastics to marine ecosystems
   • Impacts on marine organisms and food webs
   • Research and monitoring efforts to address microplastic pollution

3. Ocean Acidification:

1. • Impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems
   • Effects on coral reefs, shellfish, and other marine life
   • Strategies for mitigating ocean acidification

4. Marine Pollution and Human Health:

1. • Health risks associated with marine pollution, including seafood contamination and exposure to toxins
   • Public health implications and preventive measures

5. Ocean-Based Renewable Energy:

1. • Potential of wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy as sustainable sources
   • Technological advancements and challenges in harnessing ocean energy
   • Environmental impacts and mitigation strategies

Session-4: Ocean-Based Climate Solutions and Responsible management

Overview:

This session aims to explore the potential of ocean-based solutions to address climate change, including blue carbon ecosystems, marine geoengineering, ocean tourism, traditional knowledge, and ocean education. It will highlight the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection and fostering public engagement for sustainable ocean management.

Key Topics:

1. Blue Carbon Ecosystems:
   • Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes as carbon sinks
   • The role of blue carbon ecosystems in mitigating climate change
   • Conservation and restoration efforts for blue carbon habitats

2. Marine Geoengineering:

1. • Risks and benefits of proposed ocean-based climate interventions
   • Ocean fertilization, iron seeding, and other geoengineering techniques
   • Ethical and environmental implications of marine geoengineering

3. Ocean Tourism and Sustainable Development:

1. • Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in ocean tourism
   • Promoting sustainable tourism practices and reducing negative impacts
   • Supporting local communities and livelihoods through sustainable tourism

4. Traditional Knowledge and Ocean Management:

1. • Incorporating indigenous knowledge into ocean governance
   • Recognizing the value of traditional knowledge in understanding and managing marine resources
   • Promoting partnerships between indigenous communities and scientific researchers

5. Ocean Education and Public Engagement:

1. • Raising awareness and fostering ocean stewardship
   • Developing educational programs and resources for all ages
   • Engaging the public in ocean conservation efforts

By focusing on these themes during designated sessions, the conference intends to advance ocean science, promote sustainable practices, and foster a global movement for ocean conservation. By addressing these wide-ranging issues, the Global Science Academy (GSA) aims to broaden the conference’s scope and attract a wider range of participants, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the ocean’s vital role in our planet’s health and well-being. This conference hopefully would serve as a crucial platform to:

• Reflect on the accomplishments and challenges encountered during the first half of the Ocean Decade.
• Foster collaboration and dialogue among leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders.
• Align efforts and establish a clear roadmap for the remaining five years of the Decade.
• Showcase innovative solutions and advancements in ocean science critical for achieving a sustainable ocean future.

• Provide a unique opportunity to assess our progress in achieving the Ocean Decade’s goals and chart a course for the remaining years.
• Global Solidarity: As we gather on World Oceans Day, we unite as a global community to address the pressing challenges facing our oceans.
• A Call to Action: The conference will serve as a catalyst for renewed action and commitment to sustainable ocean management.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day 2025, the 5 plus 5 Ocean Decade Conference offers a platform for collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a sustainable ocean future. Let us use this opportunity to inspire action, foster partnerships, and create a legacy of ocean stewardship for generations to come.

Call for Abstracts & Submission Guidelines

Authors are requested to contribute on the key themes and sessions’ topics of the Conference, as aligned with the goals of the UN Ocean Decade whilst keeping in mind the focal theme.

GSA intended to publish the Conference Proceedings, the abstracts for which required to be submitted latest by Friday, February 28^th, 2025, at 5 PM IST (GMT+5:30). One can submit abstracts (not more than two) by email attachment to: globalaps@rediffmail.com. Please mention “5 + 5 OCEAN DECADE CONFERENCE 2025” in the space provided for Subject while submitting the abstract(s). While submitting your abstract, please adhere to following:

1. a) Individual author can submit a maximum of two abstracts only,
2. b) Abstract should not exceed one page in length. Use font size 12 in Times New Roman,
3. c) Use single spacing throughout not exceeding 300 words including title, name(s) of author(s) and affiliation(s). Make title as concise as possible,
4. d) Indicate by (*) presenting author(s),
5. e) Indicate four keywords describing key advances identified,
6. f) Abstracts should be sent along with registration and contact details. For maximum benefits, we encourage you to register early.

 Keynote Speakers

In addition to presentations and interactive sessions, GSA is in the process of confirming the list of speakers and will be announced in due time by highlighting their expertise in ocean science.

Participation:

This Conference is open to:

• Ocean scientists (e.g., marine biologists, oceanographers, fisheries scientists etc.)
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Policymakers
• Donors and banks
• Industry associations
• Academicians and consultants
• Corporate representatives
• Social scientists
• Medical professionals (with a focus on ocean health or related fields)
• Laboratory researchers
• Scientists and research scholars
• Government officials
• College/university faculty and students
• Research and development organizations
• Public sector undertakings
• Journalists
• Lawyers
• Social workers
• Hotels, travel agencies, transport entities etc. who believe in sustainability of the planet
• And other relevant stakeholders

For further information contact:

Dr. Anil Pratap Singh (Conference Convener-in-Chief)

Founder Director & General Secretary,

Global Science Academy (GSA),

Satyawanpury, Block Road, Basti-272 001 India.

WhatsApp & Hand-phone No. +91-9336785696

Email: globalaps@rediffmail.com

Website: www.gsaindia.org