image: Participants aof ECORD UNOC side event. Image: ECORD_ESSAC
Credit: ECORD_ESSAC
This event, titled “Understanding the ocean below the seafloor: scientific ocean drilling – A global infrastructure linking the past and future of planet Earth”, was organized by the European Consortium for
Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD), with support of the International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP3) Bringing together over 100 participants, both online and in person, including national delegations, leading
scientists, and international stakeholders, the event reaffirmed the essential role of scientific ocean drilling in addressing global challenges such as climate change, geohazards, exploration of the deep biosphere, and the sustainable management of marine resources.
“Scientific ocean drilling is a unique tool that has enabled interdisciplinary research into the interlinked Earth system processes that influence the future of our planet,” said Angelo Camerlenghi, Chair of ECORD’s
Science Support and Advisory Committee (ESSAC) and chair of the event.
The newly adopted Declaration of Commitment celebrates over 60 years of international cooperation in ocean science, building on legacy initiatives such as the outstanding programs DSDP, ODP, and IODP
(1968–2024). Looking into the future, the declaration sets out a shared vision based on core principles: transparent access to data and samples, inclusive and collaborative participation, environmental
responsibility, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The event was conceived as the beginning of a process of demonstration to the blue ocean scientific community and policy makers of the opportunities for future synergies with seabed and sub-seabed
observations and exploration on a global scale,” noted Gilbert Camoin, Director of the EMA, ECORD Managing Agency.
Keynotes and statements were delivered by representatives from France, the United States, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom and global organizations including the World Ocean Council. Discussions focused on the scientific, technological, and policy implications of sub-seafloor exploration and its integration into ocean governance.
“The ECORD Council is deeply committed to the IODP3 programme and strongly supports the Declaration as a cornerstone for future ocean policy,” said Annalisa Iadanza, Vice Chair of the ECORD Council and co-chair of the event. “Scientific ocean drilling is vital to advancing ocean knowledge, supporting sustainable development, and guiding evidence-based decision-making toward the achievement of the UN SDGs.”
The event was endorsed by the UNESCO Ocean Decade, reinforcing the global commitment to fostering scientific knowledge and innovation to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean.
Declaration of Commitment to Scientific Ocean Drilling:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16VWAjffUSl98y4WiXl2tLjUzuhU8HYiz/view?usp=sharing