Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) has gained significant momentum as two new countries officially announce their support for this crucial initiative aimed at safeguarding the future of our ocean. Monaco and Canada have both expressed strong commitments to advancing IPOS, further amplifying the growing global effort to strengthen the interface between ocean science and policymaking.
Monaco’s Endorsement at the United Nations General Assembly
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco reaffirmed Monaco’s dedication to ocean preservation during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. In his statement, Prince Albert emphasized Monaco’s role in supporting IPOS and called for collective action to address the multifaceted environmental crisis affecting our planet. He highlighted Monaco’s commitment, stating:”The Principality of Monaco and its institutions, committed to the preservation of the ocean, support the project to establish an international group of experts for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), which would be led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.”
This declaration aligns with Monaco’s long-standing dedication to marine conservation and strengthens its leadership in advocating for a science-based approach to ocean sustainability.
Canada and France Join Forces to Promote IPOS
In a bilateral statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Emmanuel Macron of France jointly announced their intention to advance ocean sustainability through the creation of IPOS. During their meeting in Ottawa on September 26, 2024, both leaders recognized the pressing need for enhanced cooperation on ocean-related issues and emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making to address growing challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing.
The Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean underscores their commitment to strengthen the knowledge base for ocean governance and support the development of IPOS as a neutral, independent entity under the United Nations framework. The leaders stated:”We will work to strengthen the knowledge base for decision making, including through contributions to existing processes, such as the Second World Ocean Assessment, as well as exploring the creation of a new International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), to address any knowledge or policy gaps.”
This joint declaration showcases Canada and France’s role as key ocean nations, leveraging their vast scientific expertise and extensive coastlines to foster global partnerships aimed at ensuring a healthy, resilient ocean for future generations.
Global Momentum for IPOS
Monaco and Canada’s support adds to the growing international backing for IPOS, which aims to provide a science-policy interface that delivers timely, actionable knowledge to policymakers. By consolidating fragmented ocean data, mobilizing transdisciplinary expertise, and ensuring inclusivity across sectors and communities, IPOS seeks to empower decision-makers to meet global sustainability targets and respond to the escalating ocean crisis.
The involvement of these two nations highlights the critical role that IPOS can play in fostering international cooperation and bridging knowledge gaps to accelerate ocean sustainability efforts.
Looking Ahead to 2025: UN Ocean Conference
As momentum builds, IPOS is poised to have an impact at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) in June 2025, where its final concept will be presented for consideration by the international community. With the support of countries like Monaco, Canada, and France, IPOS is set to become a cornerstone of global ocean governance, driving solutions for a healthier, more sustainable ocean
