Researchers Cristina Pita, Helena Vieira (CESAM/DAO), and Luís Menezes Pinheiro (CESAM/DGEO) participated in the United Nations Regional Atlantic Workshop aimed at preparing the 3rd World Ocean Assessment (WOA III). This event brought together experts from around the world to gather regional contributions and contribute to the global assessment of the state of the ocean. A novelty of WOA III is the strong focus on socioeconomic dimensions throughout the document and process.
During the workshop, our researchers had the opportunity to contribute their scientific knowledge and professional experience to the drafting of the initial components of this document. WOA III will result from the third cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the States of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects. This process aims to periodically review the environmental, economic, and social aspects of the state of the ocean worldwide to strengthen the scientific basis guiding ocean-related policies. The Regular Process is an intergovernmental process guided by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other applicable international instruments.
The Regional Atlantic Workshop is part of the second round of five regional workshops, with the goal of raising awareness and providing information about the Regular Process, collecting regional information and data for the preparation of the third World Ocean Assessment, and providing an opportunity for drafting teams to meet and discuss the development of their chapters. This event plays a crucial role in understanding and responsibly managing our global marine environment.
For researchers Cristina Pita, Helena Vieira, and Luís Menezes Pinheiro, “this was an excellent opportunity to strengthen Portugal’s and University of Aveiro’s expertise in the socioeconomic dimensions of global ocean management and assessment, as well as to exchange experiences and best practices with experts from various regions of the world.”
More information about the 3rd World Ocean Assessment here.
More information about the Regional Atlantic Workshop here.
Text by: Cristina Pita, Helena Vieira, and Luís Menezes Pinheiro in collaboration with CESAM
Image credits: United Nations – Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea