2026 IDSSD Global Conference Thematic Session

Deep-Sea Chemosynthetic Ecosystems at the Climate–Biodiversity–Resource Nexus

16 July 2026 | 16:50–18:00 | Room XI, UNESCO Headquarters | Hybrid Format

【Introduction】

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents and methane seeps are among the planet’s most extraordinary—and least explored—ecosystems. Powered by chemical energy rather than sunlight, they shape carbon cycling, influence greenhouse gas dynamics, host unique biodiversity, and contain resources of growing economic interest.

At the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), this thematic session will bring together leading international experts to explore how science, innovation, and governance can advance the sustainable stewardship of deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems. The session will feature focused synthesis presentations across climate processes, biodiversity, genetic resources, environmental impacts, emerging technologies, ocean governance, and new UN Decade programmes (MOCSI and CliMetS), followed by an interactive dialogue with participants.

【Details】

Title: Deep-sea Chemosynthetic Ecosystems at the Climate-Biodiversity-Resource Nexus: Science, Innovation, and Governance for a Sustainable Ocean Future

Date：16 July 2026

Time：16:50–18:00

Venue：Room XI, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris

Agenda:

Time	Activities	Speakers
16:50-16:52	Introduction and greeting	Prof. Peiyuan QIAN (Moderator/Chair)
6:52-16:55	Opening remarks	Shaofeng HU
16:55-17:00	Welcome speech (recorded video)	Prof. Lisa LEVIN
17:00-17:35	Synthesis presentation-7 topics Importance of marine biogeochemistry at cold seep sites How geophysics can inform us about submarine seeps and fluid flow Genetic resources from deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems and future perspective Human impact on chemosynthetic ecosystems, bodiversity, and environments Ocean governance and conservation of seafloor biodiversity Encouraging ECOPs to pursue research of seafloor seep environments Two new UN Decade Programmes: MOCSI and CliMetS	Prof. Samantha JOYE Prof. Stéphanie DUPRÉ Prof. Marcel JASPARS Dr. Virginie TILOT Ms. Yun SUN Dr. Pierre METHOU Prof. Jingchun FENG
17:35-17:55	Interactive discussions/Q&A
17:55-18:00	Closing	Alison Clausen

Poster:

We warmly welcome in-person attendance for those joining the IDSSD Global Conference at UNESCO Headquarters. The session will also be held in hybrid format, enabling global participation online. To attend virtually, please register with your email through the link provided. The meeting link and access details will be shared with registered participants in due course.

Register now

https://ust.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abmNabFBNGk2meW