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Ocean Sustainability Bergen

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Ocean Sustainability Bergen

Ocean Sustainability Bergen is a virtual centre at the University of Bergen (UiB), working with partner institutions worldwide in ocean science and education. The aim is to engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDSs) and the centre is part of the university's strategic initiative SDG Bergen, which presents scientific advice to governments and international bodies to aid them in decision-making processes.

Ocean Sustainability Bergen takes care of day to day activities in relation to UiB's status as the Hub for SDG 14: Life below water as appointed by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and is also the SDG 14 representative in the International Association of Universities (IAU) SDG Cluster.

Our three main areas of interest are:

SDG 14 | SUSTAINABLE OCEAN SERIES
Starfish / Sjøstjerne

UN ocean science series in June 2020

In October 2018 the University of Bergen was given a lead role on SDG14, Life below water, by United Nations Academic Impact. Now the university has been asked to present a four-part series for inspiration on ocean research and education. The UN distributes the series globally.

SDG6 | CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
World map showing 31 lakes as part of a global study of small-scale fisheries.

More sustainable fisheries through better management

How do climate and land-use changes influence fish catch in lakes? That has been at the centre of a major international study which urges policymakers to increase funding for land and water management to create a more sustainable fisheries industry.

OCEAN AND CLIMATE
The Marovo lagoon in Solomon Islands in the Pacific.

New Pacific PhD programme launched

The new Norway-Pacific Ocean-Climate Scholarship Programme builds on long-term collaboration between two ocean and climate oriented universities, which includes a voluntary commitment at the inaugural UN Ocean Conference.

SDG2 | RESEARCH
A fish market in Kenya.

Small fish may act as “vitamin sweets”

In the world today, malnutrition is a bigger problem than hunger. Researchers hope that a small freshwater fish may prove to be packed with important micronutrients.

MATURING SDG14 TARGETS
Scientific Director Lise Øvreås from Ocean Sustainability Bergen and Marine Director Nils Gunnar Kvamstø at the University of Bergen, photographed in January 2020.

Urging political leaders into action

Four SDG14 targets are maturing in 2020 and with the University of Bergen's leadership in ocean science and sustainability, the university will take these targets to decision-makers over the course of the upcoming year.

Photo of the United Nations building in New York, with clouds and the sun reflecting. Used to illustrate article about science diplomacy.

Between 5 and 9 June 2017, the University of Bergen participated at the United Nations Ocean Conference in New York. Among the university's activities at the conference were the presentation of voluntary commitments with partner institutions in South Africa and the Pacific.