In a truly defining moment for the ocean and international scientific collaboration, twelve European countries today endorsed a joint Declaration at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, expressing their continued commitment to work together towards the creation of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean.
A New Era
The Mercator International Centre for the Ocean is set to revolutionize access to oceanographic data by delivering world-class digital ocean systems, including the groundbreaking European Digital Twin of the Ocean. This initiative aims to provide reliable, real-time information to support critical areas such as climate resilience, marine safety, environmental protection, and the sustainable blue economy.
For the first time, a diverse range of stakeholders—including governments, scientists, managers, and citizens across Europe and beyond—will have direct access to authoritative, actionable ocean knowledge, precisely tailored to their specific needs and priorities. Operating under intergovernmental governance, these services will be meticulously aligned with Member States’ priorities, solidifying Europe’s leadership in science-based ocean action.
Significant Milestone
The establishment of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean marks a significant milestone, building on the momentum generated by the 2022 Declaration of Brest. In Brest, European leaders collectively recognised the urgent necessity for an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to making trustworthy digital ocean knowledge universally accessible.
Over the past three years, this visionary concept has steadily taken shape through a series of targeted diplomatic consultations, culminating in the finalisation of the Convention in Paris in April 2025.
Today, twelve governments from EU Contributing States have formalised a new commitment to continue their collaborative efforts towards the creation of this crucial Mercator International Centre for the Ocean. This initiative is being led by the governments of France and Norway, who have officially signed the international Convention to establish this new intergovernmental organisation.
Shared Vision
The Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, born from an ambitious vision, is set to unite nations in harnessing digital innovation and scientific excellence for the crucial goals of ocean protection and sustainable blue economies. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, the Centre will serve as a global hub for collaboration and innovation, empowering governments, stakeholders, and society to make informed decisions regarding our planet’s most vital resource.
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Source: Mercator Ocean
