At the global OceanObs’19 conference (16-20 September 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii), the EuroGOOS Ocean Literacy Network presented a poster and showcased some of its members’ activities.
Ocean Observing and Ocean Literacy are a win-win deal. We cannot value what we don’t care about. Almost any societal objective of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 requires integrated, sustained and fit-for-purpose ocean observing. Increased societal and policy awareness of the needs, challenges and opportunities of ocean observing will not be possible without the Ocean Literacy tools and approaches.
Anna Rubio, AZTI, Spain, presending Lema, European Interreg Ocean Literacy project, in a live demonstration at the EuroGOOS OceanObs’19 exhibition area
In addition to a poster, we presented live demonstrations of the EuroGOOS Ocean Literacy Network’s efforts. EuroGOOS member AZTI tecnalia showcased its successful European project Lema, bringing together in situ observations, citizen science, ocean modelling, and Ocean Literacy while developing a tool to support decision making by the local authorities.
EuroGOOS was an intellectual sponsor of OceanObs’19 and supported the conference communication and outreach. EuroGOOS was involved in the community building breakout led by the US Consortium of Ocean Leadership. We were co-organizers of the OceanObs’19 side event celebrating women in oceanography and the broader diversity – Breaking Waves, Breaking Barriers, attracting 400 participants. We had a successful exhibition stand with a community lounge and many material displays allowing the EuroGOOS members, regions, task teams and projects to use this space for promotion and networking. See our news piece about OceanObs’19 here.
