The Living Oceans Foundation is proud to join 25 other philanthropic organizations in signing the Rio Action Statement, an innovative commitment to advance the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). This joint statement, crafted at the Fourth Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, outlines a strategic roadmap for mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and strengthening communication to support ocean science initiatives ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.

Mobilizing Resources for the Ocean We Need

Despite its critical role in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Sustainable Development Goal 14—Life Below Water—remains one of the most underfunded global priorities. The 2024 Rio Action Statement addresses this funding gap by calling for innovative financial models and equitable resource distribution. One key initiative is the upcoming launch of the OceanMatcher platform, which the Foundations Dialogue hopes to launch at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. This tool will connect endorsed Ocean Decade Actions with potential funders, fostering impactful partnerships that drive sustainable ocean science.

The Rio Action Statement builds on the priorities identified in the 2023 Monaco Statement and focuses on four key action areas:

1. New Funding Initiatives: Encouraging co-branded calls for Decade Actions and joint funding proposals to support innovative ocean science projects.
2. Better Investment Practices: Developing inclusive guidelines for grantmakers and grantees that emphasize equity, diversity, and co-design principles.
3. Strategic Communications: Advancing global ocean communication efforts through evidence-based strategies, inclusive narratives, and shared resources.
4. Collaboration Across Philanthropic Initiatives: Strengthening partnerships among Foundations Dialogue members to enhance collective impact and attract new collaborators.

The Role of Philanthropy in Ocean Science

“Sustainable Development Goal 14 holds great potential in addressing the triple planetary crisis, yet remains the most underfunded,” said Vidar Helgesen, UNESCO-IOC Executive Secretary. “Philanthropic organizations and the in-kind and financial resources they can mobilize can be game-changers to accelerate investment in the generation and use of ocean science.”

The Foundations Dialogue exemplifies this collaborative spirit, uniting diverse philanthropic organizations to share best practices, pool resources, and amplify their collective impact. By embedding values of inclusivity, equity, and diversity into all aspects of its work, the Dialogue ensures that the benefits of ocean science reach coastal communities, Indigenous groups, and small-island nations.

Why This Matters

Healthy oceans are essential for the planet’s sustainability and humanity’s well-being. The 2024 Rio Action Statement represents a pivotal moment in aligning philanthropic efforts with the ambitious goals of the Ocean Decade. By committing to strategic funding, innovative partnerships, and inclusive communication, the Living Oceans Foundation and its partners are driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable ocean future.

As we look ahead to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the Living Oceans Foundation remains dedicated to supporting science-based solutions that protect our oceans and the communities that depend on them. Together, we can achieve “the science we need for the ocean we want.”

Rio Action Statement

For more information about the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, visit oceandecade.org.