UNESCO Recognizes USS Centinela I Project as an Ocean Decade Action

The recognition brings Universidad San Sebastián’s ocean science initiative into the United Nations’ global programme for ocean research, education, and innovation.

The  Centinela I USS Project has received official recognition from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) as an official Ocean Decade Action. The recognition strengthens the project’s contribution to ocean science, education, and community engagement while creating new opportunities for collaboration with leading international research institutions.

Joining a Global Scientific Network

Led by the United Nations and coordinated by the IOC-UNESCO, the Ocean Decade promotes the vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want.” The initiative brings together governments, universities, research organizations, industry, and civil society to generate the knowledge and solutions needed to achieve a cleaner, healthier, more resilient, and sustainably managed ocean.

The Centinela I Project received recognition following an international evaluation process that highlighted its contributions to scientific research, capacity development, and engagement with coastal and island communities in southern Chile.

As an Ocean Decade, Centinela I will contribute to the Global Ocean Corps and Conveyor programme, strengthening knowledge exchange and collaboration with universities, research organizations, and Ocean Decade Actions around the world.

Rooted in Local Communities, Connected to Global Challenges

According to Drago Vodanovic, Vice-Rector for Community Engagement at Universidad San Sebastián, the recognition reflects the University’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through education, research, and collaboration with local communities. “The inclusion of the Centinela I Project in the United Nations Ocean Decade recognizes Universidad San Sebastián’s commitment to education and research that are closely connected to the needs and challenges of the communities and territories we serve.”

He noted that the project serves as a platform connecting students, researchers, and local communities through science. “For Chile’s islands and Patagonia, the ocean is more than a natural environment—it is a way of life, a source of culture, and a driver of development. Through Centinela I, southern Chile is contributing to the global challenges of ocean science and sustainable development.”

Advancing Ocean Science from Southern Chile

Tomás Pérez-Acle, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Programs at Universidad San Sebastián, said the recognition demonstrates the growing international relevance of research conducted in southern Chile. “Recognition by IOC-UNESCO confirms that rigorous ocean research can be conducted from southern Chile, in regions where sustained ocean observation remains limited.”

He explained that each expedition generates new scientific knowledge about understudied marine environments while providing valuable field experience for students, faculty, and researchers. “At Universidad San Sebastián, creating knowledge means educating responsible professionals while contributing scientific solutions to society’s most complex challenges. Our mission is to put that knowledge at the service of both the scientific community and the communities where it is generated.”

Science, Education, and Community Engagement at Sea

Centinela I is a pioneering initiative that integrates scientific research, higher education, and community engagement across the remote coastal and island territories of southern Chile.

Aboard Chile’s first university training sailboat dedicated to ocean science, students, faculty members, researchers, and professionals participate in scientific expeditions and outreach activities in areas that are often difficult to access.

Since launching its operations, the vessel has sailed more than 11,500 nautical miles and visited 65 coastal and island municipalities. Its expeditions have supported research on marine biodiversity, microplastic monitoring, and environmental observation, while providing interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experiences for students and early-career researchers.

Contributing to the Ocean Decade

In its official recognition letter, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) noted that Centinela I will contribute to the Ocean Decade’s mission of advancing transformative, science-based solutions for sustainable development.

The Commission also highlighted the project’s strong potential for growth and its capacity to become an active contributor to international scientific collaboration. By joining the Ocean Decade, the Centinela I Project strengthens Chile’s contribution to global ocean science while expanding international collaboration in support of sustainable ocean stewardship.