Progress report for
Development and strengthening of the regional research and monitoring network, as part of global efforts, on the ecological impacts of ocean acidification on coral reef ecosystems in the Western Pacific and its adjacent regions in support of the SDG 14.3
Achievement at a glance
The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) developed and has been strengthening a sustained interdisciplinary research and monitoring network for ocean acidification in the Western Pacific and its adjacent waters since 2014. The network forms the WESTPAC regional hub of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON).Until December 2019, Core activities include, but not limited to, regular regional programme development workshops (19-21 January&26-28 August 2015, 29-31 August 2016, 14-15 December 2017, 6-7 November 2018), scientific symposia (April 2017 and 5 November 2018, the development of Standard Operating/Monitoring Procedures (SOPs) and their demonstrations at pilot sites, Capacity development and the transfer of knowledge and technology among experts, institutions and countries.
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The recent 5th workshop covered a series of talks and discussion on the progress made at pilot monitoring sites including the strengths, challenges and lessons learned from the programme implementation, and consideration of partnership building opportunities and best practice procedures. It was evident that steady progress has been going on in the most of countries participating in the WESTPAC ocean acidification monitoring programme. Notably, countries research and monitoring capacity for ocean acidification was greatly enhanced, as opposed to their capacities when the programme was officially initiated in early 2015. With the knowledge transferred via the WESTPAC OA programme, some countries have already established their monitoring programmes and been conducting sustained observations, and others have been sparing no efforts in improving their research infrastructure and deploying relevant monitoring equipment in the pilot sites.
Challenges faced in implementation
Limited awareness on the importance of and investment on ocean acidification research and monitoring;Understaffing coordination unit
Beneficiaries
Citizens, individual scientists, research institutes, universities, and competent government agencies of UN Member States for oceans, biodiversity conversation, food safety in the region.