Mercator Ocean International launched the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Initiative website (www.g7fsoi.org) at the end of April 2021. This is part of EU4OceanObs action, a European Foreign Policy Instrument aiming to strengthen international ocean governance for the enhanced collection and use of global ocean observations for societal benefit.
Implemented by Mercator Ocean International, EU4OceanObs has two main components representing the European contribution to the G7 Future of Seas and Oceans Initiative (G7 FSOI) and the GEO Blue Planet Initiative. Through these two key global initiatives, EU4OceanObs will catalyse essential partnerships between European and international infrastructures and programmes across the ocean observing value chain to deliver a coordinated fit-for-purpose system.
The recently launched G7 FSOI website gives an overview of the G7 FSOI and its 5 action areas established by the G7 Ministers in 2016:
- ocean observing system
- assessments and reporting
- data sharing infrastructure
- regional observing capacity
- political cooperation
The G7FSOI unites marine scientists and representatives from government agencies and ministries across the G7 to enhance the global ocean observing system that provides ocean data required for the health of our seas and oceans, for weather and climate forecasting, and for the development of a sustainable Blue Economy.
The website provides information on joint activities under consideration for each action area. These are finite-lifetime projects designed to problem-solve, test and pilot new initiatives to advance the global ocean observing system. These activities will be developed through wide consultation across the G7 and the EU Ocean observing communities and in close partnership with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). There is also information on linkages between the G7 FSOI and GOOS , the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and other key global partners.
The website is also an informational and working tool for the G7 FSOI and GOOS national focal points in each of the seven G7 member states and for the European Union who is a full member of the G7.
The news and events sections are regularly updated providing information on the G7 FSOI’s progress on its activities and joint collaborations. There is also a section providing resources relevant for the G7 FSOI (G7 communiqués, joint statements, roadmaps, etc.)
Visit the website and find out more: www.g7fsoi.org
Useful links
- EU4OceanObs – European action coordination of G7 FSOI
- G7 FSOI coordination centre
- EuroGOOS – European component of GOOS: eurogoos.eu
- EOOS – European Ocean Observing System: eoos-ocean.eu