OKEANO Coordination and Support Action

The Atlantic Ocean faces numerous environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing and climate change, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal communities. These issues demand coordinated international efforts to ensure sustainable management and conservation. Despite various initiatives, a cohesive strategy and long-term commitment are crucial for effective solutions. The EU-funded OKEANO Coordination and Support Action (CSA) addresses this need by supporting the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) and Declaration.

The OKEANO CSA aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration at local, national, and international levels, to consolidate existing initiatives emphasizing the importance of climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable ocean economies. Specifically, OKEANO aims to achieve its objectives through several key actions:
1. Coordination and Support: Provide professional support for effective governance and communication within AAORIA.
2. Dialogue and Coordination: Facilitate structured dialogue and coordination between AAORIA and stakeholders at various levels.
3. Supporting Existing Initiatives: Strengthen ongoing AAORIA initiatives, particularly Early Career Ocean Professionals’ (ECOPs) capacity building.
4. Coastal Resilience: Develop a programme of activities to facilitate knowledge exchange on coastal resilience around the Atlantic.
5. Communication and Outreach: Disseminate information about AAORIA’s activities and engage stakeholders through targeted efforts.
6. International Fora: Organize international events to foster scientific cooperation across the Atlantic.

Throughout these actions, OKEANO emphasizes engagement with stakeholders across Atlantic communities, including youth and indigenous groups, to address pressing challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, and sustainable fisheries. OKEANO will also ensure collaboration with key international and multilateral programmes and initiatives including the Mission to Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.