Ocean20 highlights the critical role of oceans for sustainable livelihood
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, urged the atmospheric and ocean sciences community to champion the sustainable use and protection of oceans for generations to come.
The Minister was speaking virtually during the launch of the Ocean20, a side event of the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography that took place in Cape Town on 2 April 2025.
Ocean20 is an initiative aiming to enhance the global dialogue initiated by the G20 and to create actionable outcomes for African nations and the Global South, with a focus on inclusivity, equity and long-term sustainability in ocean governance. The theme for the meeting was "Uniting for ocean sustainability: Advancing cooperative innovation and partnerships".
The Minister said that given the challenges we face, including global inequality and the devastating impact of climate change, meaningful and equitable international cooperation has become increasingly important for the protection and sustainable use of our environmental resources.
"We therefore need to strengthen all scientific efforts that are aimed at finding joint solutions that involve scientists, researchers, policy makers and ordinary communities, from the Global North and the Global South," said Minister Nzimande.
The Ocean20 meeting was co-convened by the National Research Foundation's South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), as mandated by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the UN Global Compact.
Deputy CEO of the NRF, Dr Angus Paterson, said that South Africa's presidency of the G20 not only represents the country but the entire continent, with the African Union having joined the G20 in 2023. As the Ocean20 is a social track under the engagement groups of the G20, he said it should be driven by societal stakeholders to benefit society.
He added that the ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, as it regulates the climate, provides food and livelihoods for billions and is a source of immense economic potential. However, the health of our oceans is under threat from climate change, overexploitation and pollution.
"As we face these challenges, we must recognise the critical role that society plays in protecting and sustaining our oceans. Society is often and should be at the forefront of ocean conservation, fisheries management, and coastal community resilience," he said.
Youth representative and early-career ocean professional (ECOP) with focus on oceans and climate solutions, Ms Yanga Malotana said that this year's G20 theme, "Solidarity, equality and sustainability", is a demand to include the excluded, listen to the silenced and let the ocean keepers lead. Ms Malotana says that this can be achieved through five pillars – "being stubbornly transdisciplinary, bringing everyone on board, having youth, women and rural voices taking initiative to be involved, blending ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science, and by celebrating every win, even the tiny ones".
Dr Tammy Morris, Ocean20 South Africa Lead Coordinator, said that the Ocean20 aims to bring academia, industry, government and civil society together across different ideals to work on ocean actions.
Ocean actions are targeted, solution-oriented interventions designed to tackle critical ocean challenges in practical, measurable and inclusive ways. They bridge the gap between dialogue and implementation by facilitating cooperation, innovation, capacity enhancement and resource mobilisation among diverse stakeholders.
To assist, Dr Morris said the Early Career Ocean Networks of South Africa has been established to bring together different ECOP groups to identify knowledge gaps and share resources and opportunities. A secretariat is expected to be launched in the near future.
For more information, please contact:
Julian Leshilo-Sebake
Cell: 060 961 2194
E-mail: Julian.Leshilo@dsti.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
