The UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) continues to gain recognition as a driving force in ocean conservation and sustainable development. This year, the OIC and its innovators took center stage at three prominent international events, showcasing cutting-edge approaches and actively engaging with leading ocean experts, policymakers, and advocates to shape the future of ocean management.
The LME23 Consultative Meeting held on 3–5 June 2024 in Paris, provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Hosted by IW:LEARN at UNESCO headquarters, the event convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including ocean innovators AquaInSilico, DHI, Ficosterra, IUCN, ODI, and Surrey Space Centre. These innovators joined a global network of GEF-funded projects, marine experts, and representatives from key organizations like UNEP, FAO, Regional Seas and Fisheries Management Organizations. Together, they engaged in insightful discussions and shared valuable lessons on ecosystem-based management and ocean governance, with the ultimate goal of promoting the sustainable management of Large Marine Ecosystems.
The Oceanovation Festival held on 19–20 June in The Hague, created a dynamic environment for fostering innovation in the blue economy. With over 400 participants, including innovators, investors, and ocean experts from around the globe, the festival buzzed with energy and collaboration. Among the featured innovators were Fortuna Cools, whose coconut husk-insulated cooler drew significant attention at the UNDP OIC booth, and IPNLF, who showcased their work empowering women fishers in the Maldives with the eDhumashi platform and establishing solar-powered ice makers in Indonesia. The UNDP OIC also led a dedicated session on "Dos and Don’ts of Ocean Innovation," sharing valuable insights and lessons learned from the challenge.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters Conference 10 (IWC10) held on 22–26 September in Punta del Este, Uruguay, marked a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of the Global Environment Facility's International Waters focal area. This conference brought together over 300 participants, including innovators Mare Nostrum and The Leatherback Project, Ficosterra, Fundacion OneSea, SmartFish RV, and Surrey Space Centre. These innovators joined project managers, government representatives, NGOs, and UN agencies in a collective effort to discuss and promote transformative actions for achieving water and ocean-related Sustainable Development Goals. A key highlight of the conference on Day 4 was a compelling video narrated by ocean innovators, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and democratizing ocean restoration and management in safeguarding both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
These three events, each with its unique focus and audience, collectively underscored the vital role of innovation in addressing the complex challenges facing our oceans. By facilitating connections between innovators, experts, investors, and policymakers, these gatherings fostered a collaborative environment for the development, scaling, and implementation of impactful solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
