The Ocean Decade Capacity Development is built on the initial foundations laid by the IOC-UNESCO, ensuring equal knowledge and skills for all its member states in addressing ocean challenges and benefiting from ocean research and services for sustainable development. Capacity development is one of the six key functions outlined in the IOC's medium-term strategy (2022-2029). The goal of the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility is to support capacity strengthening across the global Ocean Decade community, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Early Career Professionals (ECOP) through a demand-driven, inclusive, and flexible approach. It addresses Challenge 9 of the Ocean Decade (Skills, knowledge, technology, and participation for all), specifically focusing on capacity development.
The Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility (CDF) was funded by the Government of Flanders for the 2023–2025 period and is implemented under the guidance of a dedicated Steering Committee throughout its duration.
How Ocean Decade CDF functions
It identifies the priority capacity development needs for Ocean Decade partners and addresses them.
Facilitates knowledge exchange by coordinating communities to practice capacity development issues in the Ocean Decade.
Mobilises resources and creates partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability of capacity development activities during the decade and beyond.
