Navigating the Future VI is forward-looking publication highlighting the crucial role the Ocean plays in Earth’s interconnected systems—climate, biodiversity, fresh water, and human well-being—and delivers a bold vision for future marine research and policy.
Released at a crucial moment for global environmental action, Navigating the Future VI underscores the need for a transformative approach to managing Ocean resources. The Ocean is no longer seen as an isolated ecosystem; it is recognised as a key element in regulating climate, sustaining biodiversity, ensuring freshwater access, and supporting human livelihoods. Yet, the Ocean is also under immense pressure from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation.
Structured around four key themes—People, Climate, Fresh water, and Biodiversity—this Position Paper calls for more integrated, transdisciplinary research and governance approaches to safeguard the Ocean and its essential role in Earth’s systems. The recommendations made in Navigating the Future VI outline the marine research priorities needed to meet these challenges, from improved water resilience and climate adaptation strategies to biodiversity protection and understanding the dynamic relationship between the Ocean and people.
With contributions from leading marine scientists across Europe, the paper supports global initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters. Navigating the Future VI reflects EMB’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between science and policy, ensuring that marine research directly informs decision-making for a sustainable Ocean future.
You can see the news item about its launch here and find out more about our work on Navigating the Future VI here.
Summary graphics were created for NFVI by Martijn van Overbruggen from WIM Ontwepers. These are available under CC-BY-NC 4.0 licence and can be downloaded here.
This publication is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as a Decade Activity. Use of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development logo by a non-UN entity does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations of such entity, its products or services, or of its planned activities. For more information please access here.