Future Ocean Programme

The World Maritime University - Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) is pleased to implement the Future Ocean Programme with the generous support of The Nippon Foundation. Under the auspices of the Future Ocean Programme, the WMU-GOI is dedicated to shaping the future of ocean governance by addressing the triple planetary crisis, which - refers to the three main interlinked issues that humanity currently faces: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

The Future Ocean Programme is concerned with the future of ocean governance over a fifty-year span (2024 - 2074). This future will be determined by how we tackle the triple planetary crisis of catastrophic loss of biodiversity, human induced climate change, and pollution of the marine environment including plastic pollution. 

The programme will deliver both scholarly outcomes and policy-relevant and accessible research outputs, making positive impacts on regional and international processes relating to the protection and sustainable use of areas beyond national jurisdiction, while building regional and national capacity.

Programme Objectives

• Shaping Ocean Policy: Law, Politics & Public Action – Generate knowledge on using law, political science, and policy to reshape humanity’s relationship with the ocean.
• Accelerating BBNJ Ratification & Implementation in Developing Nations – Support swift ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, especially in SIDS and coastal LDCs.
• Regulating Emerging Technologies & AI in Ocean Governance – Address regulatory challenges of emerging activities and AI in ocean governance.
• Fostering Urgency & Strengthening Multilateral Lawmaking – Harness urgency to tackle global crises, enhance understanding of multilateral lawmaking, and promote opportunities for developing States.
• Empowering Non-State Actors, Women & Emerging Leaders – Advance non-State actors' roles and expand opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.‍
• Strengthening Legal & Governance Frameworks to Combat Ocean Threats – Assess legal and governance tools to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution pressures on marine ecosystems.