A new partnership has been announced between the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), Marine Life 2030 and the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project. The memorandum of understanding signed by the parties outlines their commitment to advancing the field of ocean exploration, with a particular focus on the observation of marine life.
The MBON and two programmes endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development — Marine Life 2030 and Seabed 2030 (sponsored by the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO) — recognize the need for globally coordinated and sustained ocean mapping and biodiversity observing. Such integrated mapping is needed to systematically assess the state of the ocean, including marine life and ecosystems, and to detect change as the ocean changes.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome MBON and Marine Life 2030 to Seabed 2030’s valued network of partners,” commented Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips. “The essential work of these organisations helps empower the world to make informed policy decisions on marine biodiversity and ocean sustainability.”
“MBON and Marine Life 2030 are excited to collaborate with Seabed 2030. We need such global networks to bring different people together to work on difficult questions like where marine life exists and how and why it is changing. The knowledge will help manage when, where, and how we can use ocean resources in a way that conserves the amazing diversity of marine life, for the joy and benefit of our own and future generations,” says Frank Muller-Karger, MBON co-chair and Marine Life 2030 co-lead.
For more information on The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, please visit seabed2030.org .
