The registration is now open for the anticipated All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum 2025, hosted by the European Union on September 25-26 in Brussels.
The AAORIA unites countries across the Atlantic basin – from Europe, Africa, North and South America, to both polar regions – to advance marine research and innovation through collaborative efforts. This unique alliance continues to strengthen international cooperation in implementing the Galway and Belém Statements while addressing the priorities outlined in the All-Atlantic Declaration.
This year’s Forum holds particular significance as the EU’s chairmanship agenda aligns strategically with both the EU’s Atlantic Strategy and the ambitious EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’. The event will serve as a critical platform to showcase achievements in implementing the AAORIA Declaration and advance cooperation across all agreed partnership areas.
A key focus of the Forum will be promoting activities that transfer scientific knowledge and solutions to local communities along the Atlantic coastline. The upcoming network of Atlantic Beacon Sites- demonstration sites for coastal resilience – will be highlighted as a model for cooperation among inter-linked policy areas based on scientific results. Additionally, the Forum will further the Atlantic inter-generational dialogue through an innovative Blue Intergenerational Programme.
The AAORIA Forum represents a unique opportunity to connect the Atlantic research community with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the Atlantic, it can accelerate knowledge exchange and develop more effective, coordinated approaches to ocean challenges.
Attendance is free, but spaces are limited with registration accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The organizers strongly encourage early registration, particularly for participants requiring invitation letters for visa purposes.
In keeping with AAORIA’s commitment to accessibility, the Forum will also be web-streamed, with recordings made available on the AAORIA website following the event.
To register, please visit the following webpage: https://bit.ly/4m7Uda4
More information on the event will be shared soon.
Marine Life 2030 endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade
Ocean Exploration, Ocean Science, and Ocean Technology: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
On June 8, 2021, 2:00-4:00 PM UTC, we will commemorate the World Ocean Day with a unique panel led by Alan Leonardi, former Director of NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Program and current President and CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, which represents the leading American ocean science, research, and technology organizations from academia, industry, and the larger nonprofit sector, in shaping the future of ocean science and technology and in setting the ocean community up for success.
The central topic will be the past, present and future of ocean observation and how it will contribute for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water and for delivering greater benefits for both the ocean ecosystems and for society within the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030.
Networking Friday with Isa Elegbede (BTU)
On June 11th, 2021, 1-2 PM UTC, Isa Elegbede, Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Cottbus, Germany, discussed how to integrate approaches in seafood certifications through socio-ecological and technological inclusiveness in the Blue Economy. The moderator was Ife Okafor-Yarwood is a Lecturer in Sustainable Development at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews.