The idea to incorporate the Early Carrier Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) begun way back in 2019 during the first Global Planning Meeting organized in the Copenhagen, Denmark organized by IOC-UNESCO. This was due to lack of representation of the next generation of the ocean professionals in the meeting. The aim of the idea of ECOP was to establish a global network of ECOPs to promote collaboration across regions, disciplines, and sectors in support of the Ocean Decade's objectives.
Objectives of the ECOP program
- Amplify the collective voice of ECOPs worldwide by enabling their meaningful participation in ocean sustainability dialogues, particularly those aligned with the goals of the Decade.
- Create and share professional development opportunities that support ECOP career growth and help build pathways for future generations, with a focus on inclusivity and support for underrepresented communities.
- Ensure ECOP representation in working groups and decision-making bodies involved in coordinating Ocean Decade initiatives.
- Secure sustainable funding to support ECOP-led activities throughout the Ocean Decade and into the future.
The ECOP Program is core to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and was endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade as a network program in 2021.
Who is an ECOP?
Early Carrier Ocean professionals (ECOPs) are persons in their early stages (10 and below years) of their carrier development.
ECOP Belgium Node
Is a national node for the ECOPs under the UN Decade for the Ocean. It is envisioned to empower the next generation of ocean professionals in Belgium to lead with innovation and transdisciplinary approaches, fostering a deep sense of diversity and inclusion and creating a sustainable blue economy while protecting and restoring the ocean. ECOP Belgium Node is hosted at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and works closely with the National Decade Committee for Belgium (NDC-BE) to meet the Ocean Decade objectives both nationally and internationally.
ECOP Belgium Node works to contribute to the Ocean Decade by:
- Creating a platform that embraces diversity and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard
- Empowering and inspiring youth professionals to advocate for ocean protection, conservation and stewardship
- Provide opportunities, share knowledge and peer mentorship
- Spreading ocean enthusiasm and curiosity through Ocean literacy
- Bridging the gap between science and policy through facilitating dialogue between scientific community and policymakers
Priority areas for ECOP Belgium Node
- Sharing opportunities such as jobs, internships and events
- Communication and outreach
- Capacity development through trainings (soft skills)
- Blue education
- Ocean BRIDGES: youths – ECOPS – EOP (Experienced Ocean Professionals)
More on ECOP Belgium Node:
