2021-2030 United Nation Ocean Decade: Support & Opportunities for Africa October 2025

Marine and coastal systems are at the forefront of the Anthropocene, undergoing transformations fuelled by increasing human pressure and climate variability. The growing influence of human development and intervention on marine ecosystems has led to a global environmental crisis, particularly in tropical or low-lying environments and island states, affecting the evolution of estuaries and coastal areas, as well as marine biodiversity. In West Africa, low-lying coasts account for approximately 56% of the GDP and 31% of the urban population. Nevertheless, ocean sciences in the region face significant constraints, including limited data availability, insufficiently skilled human resources, and underrepresentation in international collaborations and decision-making processes, which hinder progress toward inclusive and sustainable ocean governance. This work presents the United Nations Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the largest coordinated ocean science movement, led by the UNESCO-IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission), launched in 2021. It focuses on Africa’s engagement in the UN Ocean Decade through National Decade Committees and presents capacity-building and funding opportunities through philanthropic organisations and strategic partnerships. It also highlights ongoing and upcoming calls for applications. Ultimately, it provides opportunities to strengthen and scale up scientific collaboration in the realm of ocean sciences, bringing together the UN system, coastal communities, academia, and governments to advance shared global goals for climate resilience, marine biodiversity conservation, and human well-being in line with the 2030 Ocean Vision.