IPSO

IPSO was founded to enable greater scientific understanding of the role of the ocean at an Earth System level – specifically the impact of the main stressors upon it – and then to explore possible solutions. These solutions are presented to decision-makers to encourage debate and engagement.

The past decade has seen a steep change in the volume and quality of scientific research, advancing our understanding of all aspects of the environment, biology, ecosystem functioning and human interactions with the ocean. IPSO works across scientific fields to identify cumulative threats and the actions needed to avert or mitigate them.

IPSO’s ambition is to drive faster and more effective action to protect the ocean by communicating the importance of the ocean in keeping the planet habitable.

IPSO’s work has a strong scientific basis, which it then proactively communicates to ensure it has an impact in the world. To this end, IPSO translates the science into accessible forms, policy relevant interventions and usable products, and seeks opportunities to bring it to the widest possible attention in pursuit of solutions to the ocean crisis.

IPSO’s uses the findings of the scientists and communications, policy and legal experts for impact in the external world. 

It provides expert testimony and evidence to a wide range of national and international groups and bodies, ranging from United Nations General Assembly meetings to parliaments and policy working groups. It translates its scientific findings into accessible formats appropriate for different audiences and always includes policy and other recommendations that arise.

Examples of this include the presentation of the State of the Ocean findings to a UN General Assembly meeting on the ocean; participation as expert witness in RFMO meetings; the provision of evidence in court cases and hearings; and the preparation of submissions and papers to government hearings and investigations.