Ocean Decade Community of Practice (not active)
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (referred to as Ocean Decade) is an effort to catalyse action and innovation in order to achieve “the science we need for the ocean we want.” MEOPAR responded to this need in early 2021 by working with partners to mobilize a Community of Practice dedicated to supporting Canadian action under the Ocean Decade, starting with focusing on improving access to information and stimulating collaboration.
What We Do
- Help connect networks
- Initiate unique and innovative activities to address Decade Outcome and Challenge Areas
- Support leadership and organization, to recruit & attract membership
Who Can Join?
- Institutions
- University-based research centers
- Industry
- Non-profit organizations
- Government/community/individual researchers at all stages of their careers and education
Get Involved
Want to shape the future of this CoP? Consider joining the Steering Committee as a Member or a Co-lead. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
What is the Ocean Decade Inventory?
The Ocean Decade Community of Practice has compiled (and is continuing to compile) Canadian expertise and work under the Ocean Decade into an accessible inventory. This is a foundational step towards addressing gaps and forming actionable solutions for the ocean we want.
The inventory will be a one-stop-shop to find out about stakeholders and activities. It will break down silos and make it easier than ever to identify information gaps and areas of future work.
The searchable database allows anyone to query projects, organizations and individuals and filter results by location, challenge, outcome addressed, etc. This tool will lend a hand in driving Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) National Ocean Decade Implementation Strategy and support the Outcome Area Champions in forming strong networks of networks.
Are you looking to get involved on Ocean Decade projects? Or have an idea of your own, but are unsure where to start? Need personnel to carry out your research project?
Add to the Inventory
View the Inventory
Past Town Halls
The Town Halls provided space for conversation to identify how Canada can contribute to the Ocean Decade and the relevant expertise among MEOPAR’s network members and affiliates.
The goal of the Town Halls was to flesh out the foundation of four main idea clusters to prepare for and sketch an actionable path forward for future endorsement opportunities:
- Supporting Self-Determined Indigenous Led Research
- Climate Change Awareness into Action
- National and International Networking
- Science as Art
The Town Halls were convened by the Steering Committee of the Ocean Decade Community of Practice, which includes: ArcticNet, ASLO, CMOS, CNC-SCOR, ECOP Canada, Hakai Institute, MEOPAR, Québec Océan, Réseau Quebec Maritime, the Tula Foundation, UQAR.
This Town Hall initiative has been endorsed by the IOC-UNESCO as an official Ocean Decade Activity.
Read the Town Halls Summary
First Town Hall
Date: December 3, 2021
An interdisciplinary and intergenerational group of 40 Canadian marine researchers came together for a town hall to sketch an actionable path forward towards collaboration under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Read About First Town Hall Outcomes
Second Town Hall
Date: February 3, 2022
The Second Town Hall took place as part of MEOPAR’s Annual Scientific Meeting. It identified ideas, rationale, goals/objectives, key players, and resources that would advance the four main idea clusters.
