To achieve tangible and effective solutions for ocean sustainability, there are four crucial actions that need to be taken. These actions include promoting equity in ocean science and governance, strengthening the connection between people and the ocean, redefining ocean literacy, and decolonizing ocean science. This insightful perspective comes from a group of experts who emphasize the importance of listening to the voices of those most affected by ocean-related issues, particularly those in the tropical regions.
The lead authors of the paper, Ana Spalding and Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, recognize that the discussion surrounding ocean conservation cannot ignore the critical relationship between nature and humans. They have been working together to bridge this gap and find solutions that address both aspects. The focus on the tropics stems from the Our Ocean Conference held in Panama in March 2023, which prompted Spalding and Grorud-Colvert to gather a team of researchers from various disciplines to discuss actionable steps for ocean conservation.
During the brainstorming sessions and subsequent in-person workshop held in Panama City, the participants identified a common theme of inequity in ocean governance and science. They realized that systemic changes in access and equity were essential to address the pressing issues affecting the oceans. While technical scientific aspects were still considered, the authors decided to prioritize the issue of inequity, acknowledging that resources and funding for marine conservation are disproportionately concentrated in temperate regions, resulting in the co-opting of conversations and policies by those regions.
Recognizing the tropics as home to the majority of marine biodiversity and ocean-dependent populations, the authors highlight the need for the voices and expertise of tropical regions to take the lead in discussions and decision-making. They propose four key actions to achieve real and tangible solutions: equity in ocean science and governance, reconnecting people with the ocean, redefining ocean literacy, and decolonizing ocean science. By prioritizing these actions, the authors believe that changes in nature will only come with systemic changes that empower and involve people in the tropical regions.
The authors stress the importance of taking intentional action to address inequities rather than merely discussing the problems. Sangeeta Mangubhai, a co-author, emphasizes the need to value and trust the deep knowledge held by those in the tropical majority and allow them to lead conservation efforts in their respective regions. Another co-author, Steven Mana’oakamai Johnson, highlights the significance of decolonizing ocean science at all levels.
Spalding and Grorud-Colvert emphasize the need for open and honest transdisciplinary conversations to find solutions. Despite the geographical and cultural differences among the collaborators, they discovered shared experiences and a common understanding of the challenges faced in the tropical regions. Amplifying the voice of the tropical majority in ocean science and governance is crucial to ensure decisions related to the tropics include perspectives from those directly affected.
The authors call for current scientific leaders to recognize the long-standing marginalization of scientists in the tropics and the valuable knowledge they contribute. They emphasize the importance of diversity and flexibility and the opportunities for positive change in ocean governance and science.
In conclusion, this research offers a unique tropical perspective on marine conservation, emphasizing the need for equity, inclusion, and active engagement with the voices and expertise of those in tropical regions. By prioritizing tangible actions and addressing inequities, the authors believe we can achieve real solutions for ocean sustainability.
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