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Ocean Science Lab

There is only one ocean. Only one Earth. With the Ocean Science Lab, Universeum aims to create engagement for sustainable oceans through increased knowledge and enhanced innovation.

Initiative for sustainable oceans

Universeum is one of the first 30 initiatives globally to have been endorsed by the UN to contribute to its Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Universeum’s sustainable oceans initiative encompasses a number of projects, from programmes and learning environments to research collaborations.

First out of the blocks is “One Connected Ocean”, which is a communication project involving Universeum and Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC). With the support of the Swedish research council Formas, Universeum and SRC will develop novel ways to communicate science using data visualisation, activities and Universeum’s learning environments, thereby increasing knowledge of marine environments and illustrating how oceans, human wellbeing and environmental issues are all connected.

The aim is to contribute to the UN Decade, with a particular focus on challenge number 10: “Change humanity’s relationship with the ocean”. One Connected Ocean also links to the UN’s global goals, specifically goals 2, 10, 13 and 14.

The initiative is then expected to continue with updated aquatic environments, a new marine field lab and research conducted at Universeum.

The ocean and its resources belong to everyone. It is therefore also up to all of us to make sure that there is a healthy ocean for future generations, no matter where we live. Because the way we live our lives affects the ocean, both locally and globally. And nature doesn’t care about maps or national borders.

There is only one ocean on our one and only Earth, and it is our responsibility to use it sustainably.

The UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

The UN has designated 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The aim is to improve the health of the world’s oceans and strengthen the conditions for the sustainable development of oceans and coastlines. Formas, the Swedish research council, is leading work to develop a Swedish implementation plan. A government mandate has been issued to Formas, the Swedish Maritime and Water Authority, SMHI and Sida, which are now planning Swedish priorities and activities.

Universeum’s Ocean Science Lab is a tangible activity in the Swedish Decade of the Ocean. The work will link in to the four priority areas identified: innovation, data modelling, ocean awareness and ecosystem-based ocean management. The Ocean Science Lab is a unique initiative for sustainable oceans that aims to apply a broad, cross-sectoral approach to illustrate mankind’s dependence on the ocean.

H.K.H. Kronprinsessan Victoria i samband med lanseringen av den svenska havsdekaden den 8 juni 2020.

Havet.nu collects and highlights ongoing marine research projects. Swedish researchers are participating in Nordic research programmes about the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, in research structures and programmes funded by the EU and in international research structures and programmes. Some of these are presented at havet.nu

Sustainable marine environments

The ocean makes up 70% of the Earth’s surface and is a significant resource. It provides mankind with a host ecosystem services, such as oxygen, food, energy, carbon dioxide sinks and transport routes. But our knowledge of the ocean remains limited.

At the same time, we are putting the ocean under enormous pressure. Over-fishing, eutrophication, littering and climate change are compromising the marine ecosystem.

But if we start to use the ocean sustainably, it can also provide future generations with food, energy and water. The ocean contains solutions that can help us to combat and reduce the impact of climate change.

Goal 14 in Agenda 2030 is about conserving and using the ocean and marine resources in a sustainable way for sustainable development. Do you want to make a direct contribution to change? Here are four simple, but effective tips from the Global Sustainable Development Goals:

Reduce your fish consumption

Reduce your consumption of fish. This is good for fish stocks around the world. When you eat fish and shellfish in a restaurant or buy them in a shop, ask if their fish and shellfish are produced and caught in a sustainable way.
Shop responsibly

Don’t buy jewellery or other products made from coral, turtle shells or other marine life.
Reduce your use of plastic

Plastic in the ocean is a huge problem that threatens lives both in and near the ocean. Reduce your use of plastic by buying reusable products instead, such as carrier bags, straws and cotton buds.
Reduce your waste

A large part of the waste we generate on land ultimately ends up in the ocean. Act consciously and strive to reduce your waste - recycle and reuse!

The Ocean Science Lab is part of combined work within the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science and is being developed by Universeum in partnership with key actors.