Marine biodiversity will be one of the themes in focus at the European Digital Ocean Pavilion during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will be open to the public from 2 to 13 June 2025. Coordinated by Mercator Ocean International, the pavilion will provide visitors the chance to explore EU tools and contributions which reinforce Europe’s leadership in global Ocean governance. Each day, the Pavilion will focus on a different theme, with marine biodiversity being a key topic.
On the morning of 9 June, in the INSPIRE area, part of the Pavilion, audiences will learn all about marine biodiversity. The event aims to foster a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the critical challenges and potential solutions for preserving healthy marine biodiversity. It will highlight the importance of integrated monitoring, innovative approaches, and collaborative action towards achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
The first panel, State of the Ocean, will provide an overview of current coastal and marine ecosystem conditions, key pressures such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing, and the resulting socio-economic implications. The second panel, Advances in Biodiversity Monitoring, will highlight innovative tools and participatory approaches, such as the LIFE Conceptu Maris project and the Fishing Vessel Ocean Observing Network (FVON). The final panel, Action for SDG 14: Solutions, will explore real-world strategies to restore and sustainably manage marine biodiversity, featuring initiatives like the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and the OLAMUR project.
Mercator Ocean has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve marine biodiversity through various projects which aim to improve the public’s understanding of marine ecosystems and develop more efficient prediction and protection measures.
The EU Digital Twin Ocean
The EU Digital Twin Ocean (EU DTO) is an advanced digital representation of the Ocean designed to provide comprehensive insights into marine environments. Developed by Mercator Ocean International, the EU DTO integrates data from the Copernicus Marine Service and EMODNet, the European Marine Observation and Data Network, to create a detailed and interactive model of the Ocean.
These comprehensive insights will be quite significant for marine biodiversity. The EU DTO provides high-resolution, multi-dimensional descriptions of the ocean, including its physical, chemical, biological, socio-ecological, and economic dimensions. This comprehensive approach allows for detailed monitoring and assessment of marine biodiversity, helping to identify the impacts of human activities and natural changes on marine ecosystems.
By simulating “what if” scenarios under various climate or human pressure conditions, it serves as an invaluable tool for planning resilience and sustainability. Accurate understanding and prediction of ocean dynamics are essential for safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable decision-making.
Innovative Ocean Applications
The EU DTO is being utilised in various innovative applications, including the Turtle Tracker and the Costa Rica Coco Islands demo. Recently, Mercator Ocean and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) launched the Ocean Prediction for Costa Rica (OP4CR) project. Running from January 2025 to December 2026, this initiative aims to strengthen Costa Rica’s digital ocean capacities and integrate the country into global networks of ocean prediction experts. The project focuses on enhancing the sustainable management of marine resources, particularly in the protected area of Cocos Island.
Visitors exploring the DECIDE area of the European Digital Ocean Pavilion can learn more about the turtle drift tracker through new simulations on the Pacific side from the nesting beach Playa Grande in Costa Rica, as well as check out turtle density maps.
Come visit the European Digital Ocean Pavilion at UNOC3
The European Digital Ocean Pavilion at UNOC 3 will serve as a tool to better understand the factors negatively impacting our Ocean and the potential remediation and mitigation measures. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering cooperation, Mercator Ocean International is spearheading international endeavours in marine conservation.
Through interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art simulations, attendees will learn about the various threats facing our Oceans, such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The pavilion will also showcase innovative solutions and strategies to mitigate these risks and promote sustainable Ocean management and stewardship.
This immersive experience will inspire collective action and highlight the importance of global collaboration to protect our Oceans.
Join us in our mission to protect marine biodiversity! Register here to participate in the online streaming of the European Digital Ocean Pavilion’s activities at UNOC3, or come visit us in person to explore innovative solutions for sustainable Ocean management and stewardship.