Bringing together representatives from the European Commission and 16 organisations from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, France, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, South Africa and Spain, the main objective of the OKEANO Coordination and Support Action (CSA) is to provide coordination and support to the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA), ensuring effective governance, cooperation, and communication amongst signatories, from pole to pole. The OKEANO CSA aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration at local, national, and international levels, to consolidate existing initiatives and to tackle socioenvironmental issues in the Atlantic region, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, ecosystem protection and restoration, and sustainable and inclusive ocean economies.
The inaugural meeting of the OKEANO CSA was held on 7-8 March 2024 at the JPI Oceans Secretariat, in Brussels. Attended by partners and representatives of the European Commission, the kick-off focused on outlining detailed methodologies for achieving the CSA's objectives. Participants dove into details and discussed the next steps for the OKEANO CSA, placing emphasis on inclusivity, international collaboration, and active societal engagement. The importance of facilitating access to diverse relevant data, knowledge, expertise, capacities, and resources was addressed, positioning the OKEANO CSA as pivotal point of contact to link scientists, researchers, and a diverse range of public and private stakeholders, including civil society and youth.
JPI Oceans is instrumental in maximising the impact of the OKEANO CSA and supporting AAORIA, leading the project’s communication, dissemination, and exploitation efforts. In his intervention, John Bell (DG RTD) identified such a task as the key lever to engage with all Atlantic Ocean actors. JPI Oceans will also support and consolidate existing AAORIA initiatives, including capacity building for early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs), and laying the foundations for future All-Atlantic joint calls.
Looking ahead, the OKEANO CSA aims to foster a robust All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation community, promoting collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across the Atlantic basin. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of its diverse consortium, the OKEANO CSA is poised to support AAORIA in moving forward as a long-lasting and robust community.