The UN Ocean Decade community is inviting stakeholders from across the ocean sector to contribute to an important discussion on the future of ocean data sharing.
A newly released discussion paper, "Ocean Data Sharing and National Security", examines how the benefits of open ocean data can be maximised while addressing legitimate national security concerns. As ocean observations and marine data become increasingly important for research, innovation, environmental management and the blue economy, the paper explores how openness and security can be balanced through practical and proportionate approaches.
At the heart of the discussion is the principle:"Default to openness; justify restrictions."
The paper distinguishes between perceived and real security risks, outlines potential mitigation measures such as data aggregation, delayed release, tiered access and metadata standards, and encourages evidence-based dialogue between different stakeholder communities.
To help shape future guidance and recommendations, the Ocean Decade community is seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Government and policy representatives
- Defence and security organisations
- Researchers and academia
- Industry and private sector
- Ocean data managers and repositories
- NGOs and international organisations
- Other interested stakeholders
Participants are invited to read the discussion paper and complete a short anonymous survey. The questionnaire contains just six questions and takes less than five minutes to complete. It explores participants' views on the paper's central principle, the practicality of the proposed mitigation approaches, and lessons learned from existing policies, governance frameworks and data-sharing initiatives.
Bringing together diverse perspectives will help develop practical approaches that support open ocean science while safeguarding legitimate national interests.
Read the discussion paper: here.
Share your feedback: here.
For further information, please contact oceandecade@unesco.org.