ICTS SOCIB showcases significant contributions to ocean science at the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference
The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (ICTS SOCIB) played a prominent role in the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference and throughout the week, underlining its pivotal position in ocean science and coastal management. Through its participation in several significant events, SOCIB emphasized its dedication to enhancing global ocean science, particularly through the CoastPredict Programme and its GlobalCoast initiative aimed at boosting coastal resilience through improved prediction capabilities and robust data integration.
On April 8, SOCIB's director, Joaquín Tintoré, participated in the OceanPrediction DCC Roundtable during Session 3 (watch the session's video here). This session focused on integrated approaches for predicting and managing ocean systems, allowing Tintoré to share insights into SOCIB’s latest advancements in ocean observation technologies, new ocean integration advances, tools for decision support, and their contribution to the Digital Twins of the Ocean and societal impact.
The momentum continued on April 9 at the parallel CoastPredict General Assembly, where Tintoré detailed SOCIB’s vital contributions to improving the accuracy of coastal hazard forecasts and resource management.
On April 11, during the 'Coastal Futures: Charting Priorities for Coastal Resilience' event, Tintoré introduced the overarching concepts of CoastPredict and GlobalCoast, which aim to enhance coastal resilience through improved prediction capabilities and data integration. Tintoré explained the rationale behind these initiatives, emphasizing the need for global infrastructure capable of sharing knowledge, data, and best practices. This strategic approach is supported by the results of a comprehensive global survey, which received 125 responses. These responses have informed the strategic deployment of pilot sites around the world, encompassing more than 30 coastal regions worldwide, 120 pilot locations, and 227 institutions across 65 countries.
Tintoré emphasized the importance of developing 'fit for purpose' systems that prioritize data reliability, accessibility, and adherence to the FAIR principles (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability). The discussion also spotlighted successful public-private partnerships, such as those with Fugro, and initiatives like PRFAQs, which serve as models for effective global coastal management collaboration. Furthermore, Tintoré chaired the round table showing the unique needs and contributions of the pilot sites in the Caribbean, Philippines, and Ghana. These examples demonstrate the application of scientific data tailored to meet local community needs, showcasing CoastPredict and SOCIB commitment to user-centric solutions for coastal resilience.
Additionally, SOCIB participated in the 'Towards the 2030 goals: Best practices in citizen science for ocean challenges' satellite event. As part of the CoastSnap initiative, this event focused on leveraging citizen science to tackle oceanic challenges, aligning with sustainable development goals. The involvement showcased SOCIB's commitment to innovative, community-engaged scientific practices.
Overall, its participation at the Ocean Decade Conference cements SOCIB and the Balearic Islands' leadership in ocean sciences and underscores the critical role of international collaboration in tackling climate change and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities worldwide.
Furthermore, on April 15, Tintoré also participated in the GOOS Steering Committee, sharing strategies for "Revolutionizing Global Coastal Ocean Observing and Forecasting" and plans for co-designing necessary infrastructure and promoting open access to data and resources, in the frame of CoastPredict.
For more details on the discussed initiatives and SOCIB's ongoing projects, please visit the official CoastPredict and conference websites.
