GESAMP Celebrates 50 Years in Ocean Science

When developing policies or strategies affecting the ocean, the United Nations system needs to base its work on a solid, scientific foundation.

That is provided by GESAMP, a unique independent body administered by International Maritime Organization (IMO)  and which, this week, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

GESAMP is the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection. It is the independent body of experts that advises the United Nations system on both on-going and newly arising marine environmental scientific issues.

It's 50th anniversary was celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York (10 September) at an event co-hosted by the UN Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea and the UN Development Program.

The event highlighted GESAMP's past achievements, its current work and explored possibilities for its future contributions.

GESAMP has around 15 individual members and draws on a wider global roster of experts from a wide range of relevant disciplines, who all act in an independent and individual capacity. Studies and assessments are usually carried out by dedicated working groups, comprising largely of scientists from the broader GESAMP network.