IOC Launches Five-Year Global Strategy to Achieve 100% Sustainable Ocean Management by 2030

A Harmonizing Framework for Sustainable Ocean Management
The IOC-SOPM Strategy provides a harmonizing framework that strengthens the use of ocean data, scientific and indigenous knowledge, and inclusive governance approaches to guide national efforts in sustainably managing marine areas.

By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, building capacity and translating science into actionable insights, the IOC-SOPM Strategy aims to help nations secure a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean for current and future generations.

A Milestone in Global Ocean Governance

In response to growing global momentum for sustainable ocean governance, the IOC has launched an IOC-wide, five-year Strategy for Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) : a transformative framework designed to help Member States sustainably manage their national marine areas allowing to accelerate implementation of global conservation commitments while leveraging the potential for a sustainable ocean economy.

This milestone aligns with the 100% Alliance, initiated by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy , which has already seen 18 countries commit to this ambitious goal. Over the coming years, the IOC will provide Member States with the scientific, technical, and policy support needed to turn these commitments into action and accelerate the transformation of science and knowledge into decision-making.

Why SOPM Is Critically Important

The ocean faces accelerating pressures, from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss to fragmented governance. At the same time, the ocean economy is expanding rapidly. According to the OECD, the global ocean economy is expected to grow to nearly four times its 1995 size by 2050 if current trends continue.

SOPM offers a strategic, science-based and whole-of-society framework that acts as a unifying 'umbrella' for ocean governance. It integrates existing management approaches, policies, and knowledge systems to guide the overall sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.

Building on the strong foundation of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) , SOPM goes further by tackling fragmented governance and connecting sectoral efforts into a coherent, inclusive, and adaptive approach. It also helps countries accelerate alignment with global commitments such as the 30x30 biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework , encouraging regional collaboration to ensure a healthy and productive ocean.

IOC's Role in Supporting Member States

With more than 60 years of expertise, the IOC is uniquely positioned to help countries develop science and knowledge-driven SOPM. As the UN body for ocean science, the IOC supports Member States through capacity development, global ocean data access, training, and technical guidance.

SOPM is rooted in IOC's mandate to not only promote international cooperation in ocean research but to also apply that knowledge to improve management and decision-making. Its mission in ocean governance is to "support decision-makers across Member States in implementing SOPM by facilitating the uptake of data, advancing knowledge products and strengthening capacities, by 2030."

Guided by the IOC-SOPM Working Group

Implementation of SOPM will be guided by the IOC-SOPM Working Group, a multidisciplinary team of experts from across IOC Member States, IOC programmes, regional organizations, and international partners. The Working Group will provide strategic oversight, facilitate knowledge exchange, and monitor progress of the strategy's implementation.

This collaborative structure ensures that SOPM guidance remains responsive to emerging challenges and helps foster a global community of practice around sustainable ocean planning and management.

Target Audience and Strategic Impact

The IOC-SOPM Strategy is designed primarily for decision-makers and professionals responsible for the planning and management of marine areas and resources across IOC Member States. It also serves a wider audience, including scientific institutions, NGOs, academia, and other stakeholders at regional, national, or multilateral levels working toward a sustainable ocean.

SOPM promotes a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates natural and social sciences, indigenous and local knowledge, and end-user insights. This ensures that decisions reflect human activities, economic drivers, and societal needs.

By facilitating the uptake of data, advancing knowledge products, and strengthening capacities, SOPM helps decision-makers implement sustainable ocean planning and management. It is a key contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), helping to bridge the gap between science and action.

Looking Ahead

As pressures on the ocean continue to grow, SOPM provides a timely and transformative pathway for sustainable marine management. With IOC's leadership and international collaboration, the strategy is set to become a cornerstone of global ocean governance, ensuring that the ocean remains healthy, productive, and equitable for generations to come.