The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development will take place between 2021 and 2030. It offers a framework to strengthen connections and weave partnerships between all communities working to study, conserve and sustainably use the ocean and its resources. The Decade will boost scientific research to produce “the science we need for the ocean we want”. The special issue will seek to address the ten Ocean Decade challenges from the Earth System Governance perspective. The main motivation for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is to unite efforts by all disciplines and views related to the sea to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create better conditions for achieving sustainable development. For that, science-based adaptation strategies and policy decisions are essential. The Decade is an inclusive, participatory and global process that respects local realities for building a sustainable future, which makes essential contributions from the Global North and South. Thus, we invite you to propose interdisciplinary papers that provide input on key issues (current status and trends), science and capacity development needs (gaps, challenges, and opportunities), and recommendations (pathways for solutions and cross-cutting priorities) for the science-policy agenda to achieve the Ocean Decade outcomes and face its challenges. Theoretical, empirical, critical, and synthesis papers are all welcome. Possible topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: – The Ocean Decade Challenges from a social science perspective – Addressing Governance Challenges through the Ocean Decade – Just and Inclusive transition to a blue economy – Fisheries, Ports, Mining – planning the future of blue economy – Gender and Ocean Governance – Coastal Livelihoods and Adaptation – Place-Based Community Vulnerabilities and Responses – Local to Global and Regional Networks
Special Issue: S.O.S. – Science for Ocean Sustainability, March 2022
