OGS is in Paris to present a proposal to UNESCO for a new International Centre dedicated to ocean and coastal sustainability and resilience

A delegation from the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics -OGS participated today in an institutional meeting at UNESCO headquarters in Paris with Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and his staff. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Liborio Stellino, Italy's Permanent Representative to UNESCO.

The meeting focused on the presentation of a proposal promoted by OGS to establish a UNESCO Category 2 Centre dedicated to ocean and coastal sustainability, resilience and adaptation. The objective is to enhance international scientific collaboration and promote the advancement of knowledge, tools and expertise to address the challenges posed by climate change and mounting pressures on marine and coastal ecosystems.

The Centre's objectives are to become an international reference point for interdisciplinary research, the monitoring and forecasting of ocean changes, the assessment of natural and climate-related risks, the development of adaptation strategies, and the strengthening of scientific and technological capacities. The Centre will focus particularly on coastal areas and the most vulnerable regions.

The proposal is aligned with the strategic priorities of UNESCO and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, as well as the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The initiative draws on OGS's scientific expertise and research infrastructure in oceanography, geophysics and Earth sciences, promoting an integrated approach that connects scientific research with the needs of institutions, coastal communities and public decision-makers.

The meeting in Paris marks an important step in the international dialogue aimed at developing the proposal and exploring its potential implementation within the network of UNESCO Category 2 Centres. These are institutions that operate under the auspices of UNESCO and contribute to the implementation of its strategic priorities.

The project is a testament to OGS's ongoing dedication to enhancing the significance of Italian research in the global scientific community and advocating for knowledge-based approaches to safeguarding the oceans and fortifying the resilience of coastal communities.