In March 2024, The Sea as a Good Cause, VLIZ’s philanthropy initiative, became the first organisation worldwide to be recognised as a Grant-Making Facility in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This recognition enables the initiative to independently raise funds over the coming years to support the Ocean Decade, alongside in-kind contributions such as staff time. Acting as a central hub, The Sea as a Good Cause will mobilise and allocate financial resources to initiatives aligned with the Ocean Decade’s endorsed actions.
As the only Flemish organisation dedicated specifically to advancing marine research, The Sea as a Good Cause focuses on encouraging young marine scientists worldwide to conduct original research and develop innovative insights in ocean science. Current activities include funding travel grants for young researchers attending Ocean Decade-recognised conferences or training sessions, awarding annual Brilliant Marine Research Ideas grants, and providing additional support for Ocean Decade-endorsed projects. Examples include funding for WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species) editors and travel grants for young scientists within the European Tracking Network (ETN). In the near future, the initiative also aims to support the Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility by supplying measurement equipment.
Since the Ocean Decade’s inception in 2021, VLIZ has actively participated, with support from Flanders’ Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation, and Social Economy (WEWIS). Major contributions include large-scale programmes such as WoRMS in MarineLife2030 and the Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility as part of the Tsunami Programme.
VLIZ also coordinates Belgium’s involvement in the Ocean Decade through the Belgian National Decade Committee (NDC-BE) and is one of just eleven globally recognised Decade Implementing Partners (DIPs). This status reflects VLIZ’s commitment to coordinating actions, catalysing initiatives, leading communication and outreach efforts, and mobilising resources for the Decade. VLIZ philanthropy works closely with its role as a DIP to align its activities with Flemish contributions (e.g., via FUST funding) and with the priorities set by the Decade Coordination Unit at IOC headquarters in Paris.
The Sea as a Good Cause relies on support from local, national, corporate, and private donors who prioritise sustainability and share the mission of the Ocean Decade. Its recognition as a Grant-Making Facility unlocks new opportunities for fundraising, ensuring that financial contributions are allocated through a structured approval process that considers geographic and thematic priorities, scope, and financial guidelines.
The philanthropy programme remains open to proposals for addressing needs within recognised Ocean Decade actions and projects, both during and beyond the Decade.
Learn more about the The Sea as a Good Cause in support of the Ocean Decade