Vanessa P. Lopes, Diva J. Amon, Kathryn Audroing, Nellie Catzim, Harriet Harden-Davies, Kahlil Hassanali, Angelique Pouponneau, Katy Soapi, Sheena Talma, Marjo Vierros
The Alliance of Small Island States’ “Declaration for the enhancement of marine scientific knowledge, research capacity, and transfer of marine technology to Small Island Developing States” was launched in June 2022 at the United Nations Ocean Conference. This articulates key principles and approaches to strengthen, retain, and sustain scientific and technological capacity in Small Island Developing States. Although the creation of this Declaration is a step in the right direction, it is critical that the Declaration is effectively implemented. This paper proposes how the Declaration can be used as a framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating capacity-development activities relating to marine science in Small Island Developing States. It also issues a call to action for its implementation.