From the Caribbean to the Côte d’Azur: IMA Brings Regional Voices to One Ocean Science Congress 

From June 3–6, 2025, the city of Nice, France, played host to the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), a global gathering of ocean scientists, communicators, policymakers, and civil society advocates. Held in advance of the upcoming third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the event served as a space for dialogue on some of the most pressing challenges facing our ocean today including climate resilience, marine spatial planning, ocean literacy, and inclusive ocean governance. 

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) was proud to be among the organisations contributing to these critical conversations. Representing Trinidad and Tobago  and by extension, the wider Caribbean  was Ms. Nikia Gooding, Remote Sensing Research Officer at the IMA, who participated in a high-level panel focused on Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). 

Responding to the question of how the global community can better support ECOPs, Ms. Gooding offered a Caribbean perspective on the need for more equitable, long-term inclusion particularly for early-career professionals from the Global South. She emphasised that equity must be embedded institutionally and go beyond surface-level representation. Instead, she called for a systemic commitment that allows ECOPs from underrepresented regions to meaningfully contribute and lead within the global ocean science landscape. 

Her participation was made possible through sponsorship by the Marine Institute of Ireland, allowing her to connect with over 200 delegates from across the globe. Discussions ranged from the role of community narratives as highlighted in sessions such as Tales from the Tide to national efforts, such as Brazil’s commitment to mainstreaming ocean literacy across its education system. 

The Congress reaffirmed a powerful message: while science provides the foundation, it is community, culture, and connection that sustain ocean action. IMA’s presence ensured that Caribbean realities and aspirations were part of this evolving global dialogue  a reminder that small island developing states are not just vulnerable, but vital to shaping the ocean agenda.