General news | Sat, 01/14/2023 - 12:00

Advancing Global Ocean Prediction: The Role of Regional Teams in the OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre

The OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre (OceanPrediction DCC), launched in January 2023, is propelling a coordinated global effort in ocean prediction within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This article delves into the formation of nine Regional Teams, each dedicated to specific oceanic regions, and the expert-driven steering group shaping the strategic direction of the OceanPrediction initiative.

The Objectives of Regional Teams

Regional Teams, aligned with the UN Ocean Decade's goals, have been strategically formed to address the unique challenges and opportunities in distinct oceanic regions. The nine Regional Teams are:

•    African Seas
•    Antarctic
•    Arctic
•    Indian Seas
•    Mediterranean & Black Sea
•    North America
•    North East Atlantic
•    South & Central America
•    West Pacific & Marginal Seas of South and East Asia

Each team contributes to the overarching objectives of the OceanPrediction DCC, serving as regional nodes and fostering collaboration within their specific geographical domains. These teams play a vital role in coordinating and cooperating with ocean forecasting-related Decade Actions in their regions, identifying gaps, and supporting capacity building and ocean literacy through regional events.

Governance of the Regional Teams

Each regional Team has formed a so-called Steering Team, that includes experts across various disciplines. This diverse group ensures effective organization and connectivity between Regional Teams and the Technical Team. The steering group is composed of experts in the following disciplines:

•    Ocean Observing
•    Ocean Forecasting: Physics
•    Ocean Forecasting: Biogeochemistry
•    Ocean Forecasting: Climate
•    Connection with Users (Downstream Services)
•    Capacity Building/Ocean Literacy
•    New Digital Ocean Developments, including Digital Twins
•    Policy and Legal Aspects at the Region

This multidisciplinary Teams will work collaboratively to promote actions aligned with the OceanPrediction DCC objectives within their respective domains. By fostering connections and promoting knowledge-sharing, the steering group contributes to the success of the global network of Regional Teams, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to advancing ocean prediction capabilities.

The OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre's Regional Teams, supported by the expertise-driven steering groups, exemplify a concerted effort towards realizing a predicted and sustainable ocean, moving from the ‘ocean we have’ to the ‘ocean we want’. Through regional collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach, these teams are instrumental in achieving the objectives set forth by the UN Ocean Decade.