By IOC Decision A-32/Dec.4.7, the Assembly at its 32^nd session took note of the scope and process for developing the IOC-wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management for the period 2024–2030 through document IOC/A-32/4.7.Doc(1), and requested the Secretariat to collect input from Member States, IOC programmes and technical bodies, and other relevant stakeholders, and to present a revised document to the IOC Executive Council at its 57th session.

The present document elaborated on the basis of document IOC/A-32/4.7.Doc(1), was further enriched by soliciting inputs through IOC Circular Letter 2968 and a survey which was developed and rolled out to better understand the existing landscape in terms of sustainable ocean planning and management and identify needs of stakeholders in terms of technical and scientific support. Inputs received are synthesized in document IOC/INF-1537 and its addendum.

Two online consultation meetings were organized in May 2024 to collect additional comments from IOC Member States on the present document. The Strategy foresees the establishment of an IOC Working Group on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management to guide its implementation.

The proposed decision is referenced as EC-57/Dec.4.3 in the Action Paper for the session (document IOC/EC-57/AP Prov.Rev.).