Overview
- UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is the UN body responsible for marine science cooperation
- Works to improve management of oceans, coasts, and marine resources
- Facilitates science-based decision making for sustainable ocean governance
- India has been a member since 1946
Core Mandate and Objectives
- Promote international cooperation in marine sciences
- Strengthen ocean observations, research, and services
- Enhance capacity development in marine science among member states
- Support early warning systems for ocean-related hazards
- Advance ocean literacy and public awareness
Key Functional Areas
- Ocean Science and Research
- Coordinates global marine scientific programmes
- Encourages sharing of ocean data, technology, and best practices
- Supports ecosystem-based ocean management
- Ocean Observations and Services
- Develops global systems for monitoring oceans
- Strengthens climate prediction and marine forecasting
- Supports fisheries, navigation, and disaster risk reduction
- Tsunami Warning Systems
- Leads global coordination of tsunami early warning mechanisms
- Works through regional tsunami service providers
- Enhances preparedness of coastal nations
- Capacity Development
- Assists developing countries in building scientific and institutional capacity
- Promotes training, technology transfer, and infrastructure development
- Ocean Literacy
- Encourages understanding of the ocean’s role in climate, livelihoods, and sustainability
- Integrates ocean science into education and policy frameworks
UN Decade of Ocean Science
- IOC is the coordinating agency for the
United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) - Popularly known as the “Ocean Decade”
- Aims to deliver science-based solutions for:
- Climate change adaptation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable blue economy
- Disaster risk reduction
Overall Importance of IOC for India
- Provides a platform for global leadership in ocean science
- Supports India’s interests in disaster management, climate resilience, and blue economy
- Strengthens cooperation in Indian Ocean Region
- Aligns ocean science with sustainable development goals
UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
