The Ocean Decade Virtual Series: The Ocean and Human Health

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) will harness and stimulate innovative ocean research and strengthen the multi-stakeholder cooperation needed to develop the science we need for the ocean we want.

Convened by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in partnership with the H2020 Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe (SOPHIE) Project, the H2020 Blue Health Project and the European Marine Board, this virtual session will address the relationship between humankind and the Ocean.

It will explore how our health and well-being are closely connected to the ocean. It will discuss the opportunities and challenges for the coming years; and what could be the positive outcomes from transformative actions under the Ocean Decade and long-lasting benefits to both the ocean and society.

This session, moderated by Prof Sheila Heymans (European Marine Board), will bring together Global Voices of Oceans and Human Health and Decade representatives to share their views on Ocean and Human Health, discuss the emerging areas for cooperation and how Ocean and Human Health can contribute to the Ocean Decade.

Please note that attendance will be limited to 100 participants. For additional participants, a link to follow the event on live streaming and a code to access the Sli.do application to submit questions to the speakers will be available at a date closer to the event.

Programme

Moderator

• Prof. Sheila Heymans – Executive Director, European Marine Board

Introduction

• Vladimir Ryabinin – Executive Secretary of IOC and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
• Overview of OHH with the H2020 SOPHIE video

Global Voices of Oceans and Human Health

• Ms. Sandra Howard – Co-lead Sustainable Tourism Working Group, Blue Climate Initiative
• Dr. Timothy Bouley – CEO, BioFeyn
• Prof. Lota Alcantara – Creencia – Marine biologist, Blue Communities
• Dr. Jacqueline Uku – President, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association
• Dr. Josep Lloret – Director, Oceans and Human Health Chair
• Dr. Lora Fleming – Professor, Chair, Director, European Centre for Environment and Human Health     

Next steps and closing

• Dr. Herve Raps – Deputy Director, WHO Collaborating Centre on Human Health and Sustainable Development, Centre Scientifique de Monaco
• Mr. Julian Barbiere – Head, Marine and Regional Policy Section, IOC-UNESCO