ICOS participates in the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice 9–13 June 2025. The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. Below are the key messages for ICOS for UN Ocean Conference 2025.
The Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) is a key European pillar of the global ocean observing system the world needs. Through its network of ocean stations, ICOS provides critical data on the carbon cycle in the surface ocean that supports scientific excellence and enables service solutions to societal challenges. ICOS data is openly available, standardised and quality-controlled. It is also FAIR to ensure its optimal integration in global datasets like SOCAT or in the production of the annual Global Carbon Budget.
Key message 1: Deep understanding of the ocean requires enhanced and coordinated monitoring capacities
Through its vital role as a sink of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities, the ocean has been offering humanity time on the road to a decarbonized world, but the quantification of its role in climate change still requires a deeper understanding of the processes involved and a reliable forecast of their evolution. This, in turn, requires enhanced and coordinated monitoring capacities at the global level. ICOS has substantial experience in operating a network and providing near-real-time data to science and policy. Its involvement in research projects supports the development of new technologies and synergies with similar monitoring networks.
Key message 2: International cooperation is needed to facilitate knowledge transfer in all regions of the world
International cooperation can facilitate the transfer of actionable knowledge with all regions of the world, irrespective of their research ability. For this reason, ICOS supports the Declaration on Operationalising the Surface Ocean Carbon Value Chain (also called Oostende Declaration) issued at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Oostende, Belgium, in November 2023. Provided by more than 100 ocean experts and stakeholders specializing in surface ocean carbon measurements and quantification of ocean carbon uptake, the Declaration unites actors from Europe, Australia, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.
Key message 3: Long term observations require sustainable funding, strong governance and partnerships
ICOS believes in scientific cooperation at the international level which benefits knowledge generation, improved ocean technology solutions, and provides decision-makers with the best available science they need to design efficient policies. The key is long-term observations producing trusted data, which requires not only investments and sustainable resources, but also strong governance by recognized multilateral bodies.
The cross-domain nature of ICOS, with its high-quality measurements in the atmosphere, on land and in the ocean, already provides support to the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) developed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The ICOS ocean component will actively contribute to the implementation of G3W. The future relies on partnerships and, under the leadership of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), ICOS is ready to accelerate action and build opportunities that secure the future of global ocean observation.
Join our side events!
ICOS is going to be hosting two side events at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. Both side events are open to the public. The side events are organised on-site only. See the event pages for more details.
From Science to Solutions: Advancing the Ocean Carbon System for Climate Action
- Date & time: 12 June 2025, 14:00-16:00
- Location: Le Théâtre de la Semeuse
- Read more & register
Enhancing Ocean Carbon Monitoring to Support the Paris Agreement
- Date & time: 12 June 2025, 16:30-17:15
- Location: European Digital Ocean Pavillion, Palais des Expositions, Nice, France.
- Read more.