Ocean Innovation Challenge and Ocean Action Hub

04/30/2026

We may speak thousands of languages, but we all call this planet home.

No matter where we come from, protecting our Earth is a shared responsibility. We need more ambitious climate action — for our planet and the generations to come.

— via United Nations Development Programme - UNDP

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

Earth is our one and only home. Wherever we live, protecting the planet is a shared responsibility.

Mother Earth has given us everything, yet we have repaid her with reckless destruction, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday’s International Mother Earth Day.

“We must break our dependence on fossil fuels, protect and restore nature at scale, and deliver climate justice for those who did least to cause this crisis yet suffer the most,” he urged, calling on governments and businesses to step up ambition on climate action.

From reducing food waste to saving energy and buying local, we can all take action and make every day Earth Day.

04/01/2026

🚨 World reaches a major milestone for nature at sea! 🌊

The international community officially reached a global conservation landmark, with 10.01% of the ocean now within protected and conserved areas.

This update to the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) is a significant step forward toward Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and a strong foundation to build on forthe .

But there is still work to do to reach the 2030 goals:
🔸 Triple the extent of protected and conserved areas at sea
🔸 Prioritize effective management of these areas
🔸 Ensure the areas are equitably governed
🔸 Bridge the gap in reporting data

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3dj8h337

The Protected Planet Report 2027 will provide the next evaluation of global progress on all elements of Target 3.



Protected Planet is the authoritative source of data on protected and conserved areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). The WDPCA and Global Database on Protected Area Management Effectiveness (GD-PAME) are managed by UNEP-WCMC.

03/30/2026

📢 Will you answer the Call?

United Nations Development Programme - UNDP Call for Solutions 2026 is now open! If you’re a young innovator tackling climate challenges, this is your opportunity to secure up to $30.000 in funding, mentorship & global visibility.

Turn your ideas into action across six key impact areas:

➡️ Sustainable Energy: advancing a sustainable and just energy transition
➡️ Food & Agriculture: building resilient, equitable and sustainable food systems
➡️ Climate, Peace & Security: solutions for peace-positive climate adaptation and mitigation
➡️ Oceans and Blue Economy: Protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and advancing inclusive, low-emission, and climate-resilient blue economy
➡️ Architecture for Adaptation: Innovations in design, construction, materials, and spatial planning that integrate nature-based solutions and circular economy principles
➡️ Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Alternative consumption and production pathways that reduce emissions, waste, and pollution, while promoting fair and safe labour, transparency, and cultural expression

Don’t miss out! Apply by 30 April: https://community.youth4climate.info/dashboard/call-solutions-2026-0

03/23/2026

Every trip for water can cost women their safety, health, and time in school.

For millions, that journey takes 30 minutes or more—each time.

Getting it means long walks, unsafe routes, and no voice in how water is governed. And despite carrying the greatest burden to secure water, women often have the least voice in how it is managed.

UNDP is working globally to ensure fair and safe access to water, advancing equality for women everywhere.

03/18/2026

Ready to lead the future of coastal resilience? 🌏

Join IOC/UNESCO and UN Ocean Decade partners for a deep dive into Sustainable Coastal Growth and Resilience. This specialized training is designed specifically for ECOPs and coastal experts across the Asia-Pacific region.

Don’t miss this chance. Apply by 26 March 2026!

📢 New online training course on Sustainable Coastal Growth and Resilience!

Developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in collaboration with UN Ocean Decade partners, this new online course will focus on the Asia-Pacific Region.

Running from 2 June to 11 August 2026, this 70‑hour online course targets ECOPs and coastal professionals working in consulting, coastal management and operations, as well as staff from environmental and civil protection agencies.

🔵 Delivered through the IOC’s OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA), a cornerstone of IOC’s capacity development efforts, offering high‑quality online and blended ocean training through a global network of regional training centres.

📅 Apply by 26 March 2026
🔗 More info: https://oceanexpert.org/event/4976

NB: Priority will be given to researchers and technical experts involved in ocean science, marine services, and ocean management across the region.

03/17/2026

The ocean’s health is decided on land. 🌊 From plastic waste to chemical runoff, what we do here impacts life everywhere. It’s time to stop pollution at the source.

Let’s and our future.

03/16/2026

Women are significant contributors to a robust . 🌊

In the Maldives, Alumnus IPNLF Maldives is bridging heritage and tech—evolving the traditional "Dhumashi" fish rack into EDhumashi mobile application.

Since 2022, this fintech solution has been empowering women in Gemanafushi 🇲🇻 to lead by providing them with the digital tools to scale their businesses and reach wider markets. ✨

(Photos by IPNLF Maldives)