This paper presents major gaps and challenges for implementing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) in the Mediterranean region. The authors make recommendations on the scientific knowledge needs and co design actions identified during two consultations, part of the Decade preparatory-phase, framing them in the Mediterranean Sea's unique environmental and socio-economic perspectives. According to the 'Mediterranean State of the Environment and Development Report 2020' by the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan and despite notable progress, the Mediterranean region is not on track to achieve and fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Key factors are the cumulative effect of multiple human-induced pressures that threaten the ecosystem resources and services in the global change scenario. The basin, identified as a climate change vulnerability hotspot, is exposed to pollution and rising impacts of climate change. This affects mainly the coastal zones, at increasing risk of extreme events and their negative effects of unsustainable management of key economic assets. Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy is the key for the marine environment's health and the nourishment of future generations. This challenging context, offering the opportunity of enhancing the knowledge to define science-based measures as well as narrowing the gaps between the Northen and Southern shores, calls for a joint (re)action. The paper reviews the state of the art of Mediterranean Sea science knowledge, sets of trends, capacity development needs, specific challenges, and recommendations for each Decade's societal outcome. In the conclusions, the proposal for a Mediterranean regional programme in the framework of the Ocean Decade is addressed. The core objective relies on integrating and improving the existing ocean-knowledge, Ocean Literacy, and ocean observing capacities building on international cooperation to reach the "Mediterranean Sea that we want".
Dettaglio pubblicazione
2021, OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH, Pages -
The Mediterranean sea we want (01a Articolo in rivista)
Cappelletto Margherita, Santoleri Rosalia, Evangelista Lorenza, Galgani Francois, Garces Esther, Giorgetti Alessandra, Fava Fabio, Herut Barak, Hilmi Karim, Kholeif Suzan, Lorito Stefano, Sammari Cherif, Lianos Monica Campillos, Celussi Mauro, D'Alelio Domenico, Francocci Fedra, Giorgi Giordano, Canu Donata Melaku, Organelli Emanuele, Pomaro Angela, Sannino Gianmaria, Segou Margarita, Simoncelli Simona, Babeyko Andrey, Barbanti Andrea, Chang-Seng Denis, Cardin Vanessa, Casotti Raffaella, Drago Aldo, El Asmi Souha, Eparkhina Dina, Fichaut Michele, Hema Tatjiana, Procaccini Gabriele, Santoro Francesca, Scoullos Michael, Solidoro Cosimo, Trincardi Fabio, Tunesi Leonardo, Umgiesser Georg, Zingone Adriana, Ballerini Tosca, Chaffai Amel, Coppini Giovanni, Gruber Sieglinde, Knezevic Jelena, Leone Gaetano, Penca Jerneja, Pinardi Nadia, Petihakis George, Rio Marie-Helen, Said Mohamed, Siokouros Zacharias, Srour Abdellah, Snoussi Maria, Tintore Joaquin, Vassilopoulou Vassiliki, Zavatarelli Marco
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