The recognition establishes EMBIMOS, from ICM-CSIC, as a leading group in citizen science and socio-cyberinfrastructures for sustainability in Europe.
The MINKA Citizen Science Observatory, developed by the EMBIMOS research group at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), has been selected by UNESCO to contribute to the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The project has been integrated into the Marine Life 2030 program, which brings together key marine biodiversity observation and conservation initiatives. Its ultimate goal is to generate knowledge on marine life to drive local action and develop innovative solutions for ocean sustainability, fostering collaboration among the scientific community, citizens, and policymakers.
This distinction adds to the recognition UNESCO granted in 2022 for MINKA’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“This recognition validates the importance of our citizen participation communities, who collect and help validate essential data to understand marine phenomena and ecosystems better. Moreover, it encourages us to continue working towards the shared goal of the Ocean Decade: building ‘The Ocean We Want,’ with public engagement as a key driver of social and environmental transformation,” highlights Jaume Piera, researcher at ICM-CSIC and coordinator of MINKA.
Among other benefits, this recognition will help strengthen the institute’s collaboration with aligned projects and programs, opening new avenues for knowledge exchange and reinforcing its participation in a global network dedicated to sustainable ocean management.
"Being recognised as a United Nations Ocean Decade project is much more than an achievement for our team; it is an opportunity to strengthen networking with initiatives committed to global sustainability,” says Vanessa-Sarah Salvo, researcher at ICM-CSIC and member of the MINKA coordination team.
Through this distinction, MINKA is committed to enhancing data interoperability, knowledge accessibility, and integrating communities of practice in marine research, thereby contributing to global ocean sustainability goals.