Oceans
One Planet, One Ocean
The ocean is our global responsibility. Its shared waters circulate freely between countries and hemispheres regardless of political boundaries. As a result of this global character, use of the oceans is governed by many international treaties and supervised by several intergovernmental organisations.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is the UN focal point for ocean sciences and services, coordinating large scale initiatives that operate over vast, often global, areas.
UNESCO plays a leading role in UN-Oceans, the official coordination mechanism for all UN activities related to ocean and coastal issues. Under UN-Oceans it works with other parts of the UN system on specific ocean initiatives, such as with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
HOW can we better prepare for tsunamis and other ocean-related hazards?
WHAT is the effect of the increasing acidification of seawater?
HOW can marine scientific research protect the marine environment and ecosystems and support sustainable economic opportunities from ocean resources?
The IOC, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2010, is a largely autonomous body within UNESCO which promotes international cooperation in ocean scientific research and in the development of ocean services worldwide. By ensuring equitable access to information and services, the IOC increases the capacity of all countries to address marine issues. IOC programmes are founded on the principle that the oceans are a resource in need of our stewardship and are not simply a commodity. Programmes target a wide range of national, regional and global challenges such as climate change, ocean health and fisheries, disaster warning and mitigation, capacity building, and data availability and exchange.
The IOC established the world's first tsunami warning system in the Pacific in 1965
IOC research, services and capacity building activities include the establishment of early tsunami warning systems; networking national ocean data centres worldwide; developing guidance in ocean monitoring, modelling and forecasting; conducting marine ecosystem research and monitoring; and supporting integrated coastal area management.
For further information about the IOC, visit the ocean pages on UNESCO’s website.
UK and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
The UK is a founding member of the IOC. It is actively involved in IOC through its scientists and researchers, policymakers, laboratories, education and research institutions.
The IOC is governed by an Assembly currently composed of 136 Member States, of which the UK is one.
UK IOC National Committee
The UK IOC National Committee is the main coordinating body for UK input to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. It consists of representatives of relevant UK government departments and agencies and independent expert members.
The UK IOC National Committee is independent of, but works closely with, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Sciences Committee. The Chair of the UK IOC National Committee sits on the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Sciences Committee and its Working Group for Increased Cooperation Among UNESCO Intergovernmental/ International Scientific Programmes in the UK . The UK National Commission for UNESCO Secretariat regularly attends IOC National Committee meetings.
To contact the UK IOC National Committee email its Secretary at a.brazier[at]noc.soton.ac.uk
