ALBERT

Description: In 2017, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the Strategy for Action on Climate Change (SACC) which outlined UNESCO’s four-point strategy to support Member States adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects on their citizens and territories over the period 2018-2021. As the Strategy comes to an end, the Organization has commissioned an evaluation to assess its effectiveness and determine whether it should be renewed. Owing to its careful alignment with existing international reference frameworks in the area of climate change, in particular the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Strategy has successfully positioned UNESCO as a contributor in this field and the Organization’s insights on climate change within the framework of its specific areas of expertise is valued by partners and Member States alike. In the 3 years of the Strategy’s existence, the Organization produced knowledge products and undertook multiple interventions, especially targeting UNESCO’s priority groups (Africa, women, indigenous peoples, SIDS, youth) and ensuring their involvement in policy development and trainings. However, it is difficult to measure the effects of these activities or even attribute their results to the SACC specifically. Indeed, while the SACC has had the merit of giving UNESCO the political legitimacy and strategic guidance to act on climate-related issues, most of these activities were embedded in UNESCO’s existing programmes and have been largely reported against the different Major Programmes’ and IOC’s expected results. This is further amplified by the lack of a dedicated budget to implement the Strategy, which has led to an overreliance on ad hoc fundraising efforts to attract extrabudgetary resources and diverging implementation strategies depending on local context and Sectors’ priorities. Although the SACC aimed to encourage greater in-house cooperation to achieve its objectives, the evaluation found that, despite the existence of a large cross-sectoral Task Team, the SACC has failed to fully foster intersectoriality. As a result, whilst UNESCO has registered significant achievements and made important contributions, its action on climate change has not necessarily been cohesive.

Description: OPENASFA INPUT

Description: Published

Description: Refereed

Description: In 2017, the UN General Assembly declared the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). It has entrusted IOC-UNESCO with the design and delivery of the Decade to ensure that ocean science is indeed underpinning sustainable ocean management and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda more broadly. Fulfilling its mandate as trustee of the Ocean Decade, as well as delivering on a growing list of additional roles, in an oceanographic space that is both expanding and increasingly crowded, establishes an important opportunity but also an overarching challenge for IOC-UNESCO. In the context of the upcoming UN Decade of the Ocean, the IOC-UNESCO agreed with the Internal Oversight Service (IOS) on the merit of conducting an evaluation of its strategic positioning within the UN system and the broader landscape of ocean-related actors and programmes, taking into account relevant enabling policy frameworks to which the work of the Commission responds.

Description: OPENASFA INPUT Published by UNESCO's Internal Oversight Service.

Description: Published

Description: Not Known

Description: The 6th International XBT (Expendable bathythermograph) Science team workshop took place at the IODE Project Office of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, in Ostend, Belgium from 18 to 20 April 2018 following on from the 5th IODE Steering Group for the International Quality Controlled Ocean Database (SG-IquOD) meeting at the same venue. The workshop was divided in oral presentations and plenary discussions, held with the objective of exchanging ideas on how to proceed with the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the XBT network. A total of 19 scientists participated (4 remotely) from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Africa, UK, and the USA. XBTs represent the largest fraction of the temperature profile observations since 1970s until the full implementation of Argo profiling floats in approximately 2005. These historical XBT profiles comprise most of the temperature data base that is used to compute time series of ocean heat content. One focus of the XBT Science team (along with IQuOD) is to improve and understand the accuracy of these historical data so that we can understand the uncertainties in this climatically important time series. The global XBT network is logistically complex and so requires strong collaboration between many organizations and countries (Figure 1). Many of these transects have now been in place for multiple-decades. Today, XBT transects mainly operate in High Density (also referred as High Resolution) and Frequently Repeated modes. High Density transects are occupied at least 4 times per year XBT deployed at approximately 25 km intervals along the ship track. Frequently repeated tracks are occupied at around 18 times per year with XBT deployments at 100 km intervals. The repeat sampling nature of XBT transects along fixed transects makes the XBT profiles our best present observing system for the important boundary current systems (including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current) that convey heat, freshwater and nutrients around the global ocean. XBT observations are currently used mainly to: (i) Monitor the variability of location and transport of key surface and subsurface ocean currents and boundary currents, (ii) Monitor the variability of the meridional heat transport and the Meridional Overturning Circulation across ocean basins, (iii) Provide a significant amount of upper ocean thermal observations, particularly in areas undersampled by other observational platforms, used for global ocean heat content estimates, and (iv) Initialization and validation of numerical ocean forecast models. A strong synergy exists between XBT observations and observations from other platforms, such as altimetry, surface drifters, Argo, etc. the enables more robust scientific analysis.

Description: OpenASFA input

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: The establishment of Regional Education and Research Centre on Oceanography for West Asia (RCOWA) was approved by 37th UNESCO General Conference as a Category 2 under the Auspices of UNESCO in the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS) in November 2013 (37 C/18 Part XVII) and the agreement was signed in 2015. The center aims to achieve the objectives of the agreement which are as follows: (a)ensure the harmonious and mutually reinforcing involvement of the members of the region in Ocean studies by organizing joint projects, conferences and training/educational courses; (b)define regional problems, the solution of which requires regional and international cooperation, assist in the identification of training, education, and mutual assistance needs, particularly those related to the Centre programs; (c)assist in identification and meeting national and regional priorities by sharing knowledge and experience through organizing training courses and symposiums; (d)engage the academic and research community, experts from governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry, and decision-makers from the region and abroad in finding ways to solve the challenging economic and social problems facing the region by organizing exchange visits, consultations, etc. This objective will be achieved through the organization of regional forum/network to address the challenges, explore scientific understanding of the impacts and to discuss policies on the use and protection of the sea and coasts in supporting economic development of each country of the region, and the region as the whole;(e)supervise and coordinate the implementation of joint projects in consultation with national and international institutions of the Member States concerned in order to avoid duplication and overlap of efforts by organizing regular meetings with regional partners; (f)promote the standardization of data collection and data analysis methods based on existing protocols and agreements. Advocate open access and free exchange of oceanographic data along the guidelines specified in the IOC/IODE data exchange policy to facilitate scientific progress and improve education and training results. Reanimate IOC/IODE ODIN type program for the region; (g)advice on the application of new knowledge on science and technology to various priority areas at the local/national/regional levels by organizing workshops and briefings; (h)provide general guidance and recommendations, as well as serve as a mechanism for Member States, to formulate, evaluate, and follow-up on proposals for projects aimed at strengthening national and regional capabilities in marine scientific research, education and the establishment of common services and facilities; (i)make the operations of the Centre open and transparent by producing regular newsletters/bulletins to describe the progress of the Canter’s operations, developing the Centre’s web-site and increasing communication flow/exchange of information on activities, in order to discuss common issues and explore opportunities for further collaboration; (j)promote activities of the Centre and UNESCO as well as UNESCO/IOC role in marine and coastal matters; raise public awareness concerning the need for the sustainable management of the sea and coastal areas; and introduce the benefits of national and regional cooperation approach and of the importance of the operation of the sea and coasts by supporting establishment of Marine Protected Areas, through active participation in World Ocean Day and other awareness raising efforts; (k)collect information on the state of the art technology required for the implementation of the maritime program activities, develop an inventory of regional institutions and experts working on marine related issues, as well as catalogues of regional oceanographic data and make this information available to decision-makers and regional/international partners; (l)organize assistance in mobilizing human, financial, and material resources to respond to the needs of the coastal countries of the region in dealing with emergency situations triggered by marine natural disasters; and, (m)make recommendations to the governing bodies of the region on policy matters, and submit proposals on the budgetary and other forms of support required for the successful work of the Centre. Geographical Coverage of the Centre17 countries of the West Asia region are covered by the Centre activities: (Pakistan, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, India, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Iran). On case to case basis, neighboring countries to the region are invited to take part in the activities of the Centre.

Description: OpenASFA input

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: Since the 1990s UNESCO has been a leading UN Organization in Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology. It developed a number of international normative instruments, which were adopted by expert advisory bodies and became the basis for two global capacity building programmes (Assisting Bioethics Committees (ABC) and Ethics Education Programme (EEP)) that are managed by Headquarters and implemented with the support of Field Offices. This evaluation examined how the Organization’s Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology Programme had been designed and implemented during 2010-2016, as well as the results achieved with the aim of suggesting improvements. The evaluation found that past and current normative work continues to drive the programme. UNESCO also provides a global forum for reflection on Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology through its advisory bodies, though the working methods of the latter require review. Its capacity building programmes are relevant, but not sufficiently demand-driven and require different delivery modalities. The Organization’s partnerships in the field are underutilized and their full potential not yet realized.

Description: OPENASFA INPUT

Description: Published

Description: Not Known

Description: This document has been prepared in pursuance of Decision IOC-XXVIII/4 of the IOC Assembly at its 28th session (18-25 June 2015), which decided that the inter-sessional work on this subject should continue under the leadership of the IOC Officers with a view of providing a fully developed document with recommendation to the IOC Executive Council at its 49th session in 2016. Consistent with the decision, the document proposed for the review by the Executive Council results from the discussions at the Joint ‘Think Tank’ Retreat of the IOC Officers and the IOC Management Team, held from 5 to 8 January 2016 in Gilleleje, Denmark. The appendices to the document contain: (i) the draft messages adapted to specific audiences about the societal benefits of IOCs mission, programmes and activities based on the input from the sessional working group and the discussions in plenary; and (ii) a Concept note: A Second International Decade of (Integrated) Ocean Exploration, 2021-2030. Document IOC/INF-1337, ‘Synthesis of IOC development, work and results: opportunities and coincidences 1960–2015’ by Gunnar Kullenberg (past Executive Secretary) completes the documentation for this agenda item. Decision proposed: Full draft decision is presented in para. 173. The Executive Council will be requested to provide its recommendations on the proposed documentation to be used by the Officers in the intersessional period with a view of presenting the final proposal to the IOC Assembly at its 29th session in 2017.

Description: OpenASFA input

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: Most of the activities described in this Report were conducted under the leadership of Dr Wendy Watson-Wright, the Executive Secretary of IOC during the years 2010-2014. Pending the arrival of the new Executive Secretary, Dr Flavia Schlegel, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Natural Sciences served as Executive Secretary ad interim from 12 January to 28 February 2015. Dr Vladimir Ryabinin started his work as the Executive Secretary on 1 March 2015. He is very grateful to Dr Watson-Wright for very ably leading the IOC during her tenure as well for her support during the transitional period. The smooth continuation of the IOC Secretariat work under the interim leadership of Dr Schlegel is also much appreciated by the IOC Secretariat and Dr Ryabinin. Like UNESCO, IOC continued to work in 2014- 2015 under the significantly reduced spending plan for the approved regular UNESCO 37 C/5 Programme and Budget (2014–2015) and with reduced staff. The Secretariat, guided by the IOC Assembly and adhering to the principles of the IOC Medium Term Strategy 2014-2021, has completed all planned tasks for the period and has achieved all assigned targets at the level corresponding to the available reduced budget

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: OpenASFA input

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: The Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) is an international organization jointly supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. It operates under the Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM). The DBCP has functioned effectively since 1985. This Retrospective will review the history of the DBCP, document its successes and accomplishments, highlight its approaches and acknowledge contributions from organizations and individuals. Please refer to the DBCP web site for information on the background, programmes, data and more at http://www.jcommops.org/dbcp/.

Description: OPenASFA input

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: The present Communication and Outreach Strategy for Data and Information Management, also referred to in this document as the “Communication Strategy” was prepared by the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE), an intergovernmental programme of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCOestablished in 1961. The purpose of the IODE programme is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development, by facilitating the exchange of ocean data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products. The IODE vision is informed by the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management, 2017–2021, which identifies that: To ensure its success, the IOC Strategic Plan for Data and Information Management must achieve strong awareness, involvement, acceptance and recognition within and between IOC programmes, and with IOC partners. Efficient communication and outreach remain key elements of the Strategic Plan.'The recent IODE restructuring exercise has also highlighted that the number of international marine science related organizations is growing and there is often a perception that they have similar or overlapping objectives to IODE. It is therefore increasingly important to state clearly what IODE’s unique role is, how it differs from other organizations, who its stakeholders are and how to prioritize and optimize its communication methods with each of these. IODE must work with Member States, governments, partner organizations, academia and industry, to articulate the global benefits to society and required funding to build and sustain the ocean observing data and information system. IODE must capitalize on the networks, communication outreach, and global visibility of UNESCO’s IOC as its parent organization. IODE has a strong mandate for communication and outreach with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public. IODE needs to communicate regularly with its community as well as having a strategy on how to be engaged in ocean community activities, cooperate and expand its membership. This strategy document outlines a framework for communication and outreach activities for the IODE to address these needs and underpin its ability to achieve its strategic objectives; to ensure that there is recognition of its role as a lead provider in marine data and information management, training and information products; and further enhance both the IOC and IODE profiles. The IOCCommunication and Outreach Strategy for Data and Information was proposed by the IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange at its 24thsession, 24–28 March 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and endorsed by the IOC Assembly at its 29th session, 21–29 June 2017.

Description: Published

Description: Refereed

Description: The present report, prepared pursuant to document 39 C/46, 39 C/Resolution 15 and 209 EX/Decision 5.I.B, provides a summary of a recent evaluation, namely the Evaluation of the UNESCO Strategy for Action on Climate Change (2018-2021).

Description: Item 8 of the Provisional Agenda of the 212th Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO (212 EX/8). OPENASFA INPUT

Description: Published

Description: Not Known

Description: Recalling IOC-Resolution XXX-3 and in accordance with 207 EX/Dec.5.II.A, this report provides a summary of a recently completed evaluation, namely: Internal Oversight Service (IOS) Evaluation of the Strategic positioning of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO).

Description: Item 9 of the provisional agenda of the Executive Board of UNESCO (212 EX/9). OPENASFA INPUT

Description: Published

Description: Non Refereed

Description: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) has functional autonomy within UNESCO. It is the only UN body specializing exclusively in ocean science, ocean observation, ocean data and information exchange and dedicated ocean services such as Tsunami Early Warning Systems. In 2019, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission was tasked to lead the UN Decade of the Ocean. This opportunity, combined with a fast-evolving ecosystem of international actors in an expanding and increasingly crowded ocean policy and marine science space, prompted IOC-UNESCO to request an evaluation of IOC-UNESCO with a focus on its strategic positioning within the UN system and the broader landscape of ocean-related actors and programmes to meet the high demand for sound ocean science in an oceanographic space. The evaluation found that IOC-UNESCO is a valued partner for Member States as well as other international and national actors, and indispensable for strengthening capacities and providing the data and technical information on ocean science policy that serves as a basis for national level data. IOC-UNESCO has been most successful in providing contributions to UN Frameworks and Conventions (e.g. UNFCCC, Sendai and CBD), in acting as a neutral platform to discuss the increasingly relevant issue of ocean health and climate change, in bringing Member States together and fostering exchanges between governments and scientists, as well as in providing to the extended oceanographic community access to data, information and science. However, strategic advocacy at the national level, engagement at the regional level, and resourcing and visibility of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the ocean space within and outside IOC-UNESCO are among the areas where further improvements are required. The establishment of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is the most important strategic institutional achievement of IOC-UNESCO in recent years. It is an important opportunity, but the absence of a clearly defined results framework and inadequate resources could jeopardize its success. Furthermore, it still needs to be determined how to best exploit IOC-UNESCO’s data and knowledge base and how UNESCO can best support the Decade, among other through intersectoral work.

Description: OPENASFA INPUT

Description: Published

Description: Refereed

Description: La détermination de la chloruration des eaux de mer est effectuée depuis de nombreuses années par la méthode volémetrisque de Moher.

Description: Published