Applications are open for the Call for Decade Actions 11/2026, launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO as part of the UN Ocean Decade. The call invites organisations, institutions, researchers, scientists and other ocean-focused partners to propose initiatives that can contribute to advancing ocean science, knowledge and sustainable solutions.

The call is designed to support new ocean science initiatives, strengthen existing Decade Actions and mobilise resources for priority areas identified in the Barcelona Statement. It provides opportunities to develop Ocean Decade Projects and provide financial or in-kind Contributions supporting ocean science, sustainability and global cooperation.

The Ocean Decade brings together scientists and stakeholders from different sectors to develop and apply the knowledge needed to support sustainable development and achieve the vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want.”

Available Opportunities

The 11/2026 call has three components:

1. Decade Programmes

Decade Programmes are large-scale, long-term initiatives operating at global or regional level. They should be interdisciplinary, multinational and capable of bringing together multiple projects and partners.

For this component, the Expression of Interest deadline was 31 May 2026. Successful proponents are invited to develop full programme proposals by 31 August 2026.

2. Ocean Decade Projects

The call is currently accepting proposals for focused Ocean Decade Projects that contribute to endorsed Decade Programmes participating in the call.

Projects can operate at national, regional or subnational level and should normally run for at least two years. Applicants are encouraged to review the participating Decade Programmes and identify the programme that best matches their proposed initiative.

Proposed projects should contribute meaningfully to the objectives and priorities of the Ocean Decade while establishing connections with relevant programmes and coordination structures.

3. Decade Contributions

Organisations and other partners can also contribute financial or in-kind resources to support the Ocean Decade and its endorsed actions.

Contributions may support:

• Travel participation for the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Coordination of the Ocean Decade
• Existing Decade Actions
• Other activities supporting the implementation of the Ocean Decade

Contribution applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Priority Areas

The call places emphasis on priorities identified in the Barcelona Statement, including:

• Ocean science and knowledge generation
• Co-design and co-delivery of scientific knowledge
• Ocean science infrastructure
• Sustainable ocean development
• Strengthening international cooperation
• Supporting existing Ocean Decade initiatives
• Increasing participation from underrepresented regions
• Science-based decision-making
• Capacity development and knowledge sharing

The Ocean Decade also encourages meaningful involvement of partners from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Land-Locked Developing Countries.

What Makes a Strong Decade Project?

Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear connection to the Ocean Decade, a well-defined purpose and the potential to generate meaningful scientific or societal impact.

Projects should ideally:

• Address an identified ocean challenge or priority
• Contribute to an existing Ocean Decade Programme
• Have a clear implementation plan
• Demonstrate relevant partnerships
• Support science-based decision-making
• Promote collaboration across disciplines and sectors
• Contribute to sustainable ocean development
• Have a minimum implementation period of two years

2027 Ocean Decade Conference

The call also provides an opportunity to mobilise financial or in-kind support for participation in the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference, scheduled to take place from 7–9 April 2027 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The conference will provide a major platform for ocean scientists, policymakers, organisations and other stakeholders involved in the Ocean Decade.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 31 August 2026, 23:59 UTC.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity