2.00 – 3.30 GMT/ 09:00-10:30 EST

The world's ocean is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. Traditional approaches to ocean management have often overlooked a critical resource: the deep, multi-generational knowledge held by Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities. This wisdom offers unique insights that could significantly bolster our ocean conservation and management strategies.

The new report, "Co-producing Sustainable Ocean Plans with Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Holders," commissioned by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), presents a transformative approach to ocean governance. It makes a compelling case for co-producing Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) with Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) holders, offering a pathway to more effective, equitable, and culturally appropriate ocean management strategies.

This webinar will present the groundbreaking report, exploring how co-producing SOPs with ITK holders can enhance biodiversity conservation, improve ecosystem resilience, and create more sustainable resource management practices. Drawing from diverse case studies and the collaborative efforts of ITK holders, scholars, and researchers, the report's authors and Ocean Panel representatives will share insights on key recommendations and practical pathways for implementation. These strategies are applicable to countries at all stages of SOP development - from initial scoping to implementation and updating.

Speakers:

  • Tom Pickerell, Global Director, Ocean Program and Head of Ocean Panel Secretariat, WRI
  • Gunn-Britt Retter, Head, Arctic and Environmental Unit of the Saami Council, Norway
  • Mia Strand, Ocean Nexus Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
  • Kofi Agbogah, Director Hen Mpoano & Chairman, Ghana Sustainable Ocean Plan Development Working Committee, Ghana
  • The Honorable Jane Lubchenco, Deputy Director for Climate and Environment, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, USA
  • Andrew McMaster, Director of International Oceans Policy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Ken Paul, Wolastoqey Nation at Neqotkuk, Canada
  • Jacqueline Uku, Principal Research Scientist, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute & Ocean Panel Expert Group Co-lead (Moderator)