Blog post by Holly Skyrme, Marine Energy Engagement Plan (MEEP) Project Coordinator, EDI Champion
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Last week, Ocean and Coastal Futures hosted the first in a series of webinars on Ocean Justice, diving into the urgent need for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the marine and coastal sector. The event brought together a panel to discuss why the ocean sector must become more inclusive, and how we can transfer decision-making power to young people and communities.
What is Ocean Justice?
Ocean Justice is about fairness, equity, and the recognition that every person has a role in sustaining the ocean. It’s not just about coastal communities; it’s about everyone benefiting from and contributing to ocean protection. This includes recognising who is most affected by marine development, ensuring everyone can access resources, and incorporating knowledge into decision-making.
Why Does Diversity in the Ocean Sector Matter?
The panel laid out four compelling reasons why EDI in the marine sector isn’t just nice to have. It is essential for the following reasons:
- Ethics: Ensuring representation is simply the right thing to do.
- Innovation: A diverse sector fosters out-of-the-box thinking and creativity, both of which are critical for solving complex marine challenges.
- Efficiency: Tackling ocean issues from multiple perspectives brings more effective solutions.
- Sustainability: Without social inclusion, sustainability efforts will fail to address the interconnected needs of people and the planet.
Addressing Barriers in the Ocean Space
The discussion highlighted how narratives around the ocean often exclude certain communities. For many, ocean activism is a privilege; people preoccupied with day-to-day survival often can’t engage with these issues. Language can also be a significant barrier, with jargon and acronyms alienating those who might otherwise contribute. Making discussions accessible is key to encouraging wider participation.
Transferring Power to Communities and Young People
Tokenistic engagement just doesn’t cut it. The panel stressed the importance of giving real decision-making power to communities and young people. This means providing resources—like funding, data, and training—so their contributions are meaningful. They also highlighted the value of having young people on boards and project teams, not as a box-ticking exercise, but as genuine partners.
What Does Good Youth Engagement Look Like?
The panel shared practical tips for working with young people:
- Be upfront about your goals—are you seeking input or leadership?
- Avoid assumptions; not all young people share the same perspectives.
- Use diverse engagement methods, like art or music, to connect.
- Celebrate contributions and provide ongoing feedback to show their impact.
Shaping Systemic Change
The conversation wrapped up with ideas on creating long-term change in the ocean sector:
- Data Collection: Baseline data is critical for targeting and measuring progress.
- Bottom-Up Approaches: Decisions must consider the needs of affected communities.
- Rethinking Economics: A sustainable future requires moving beyond traditional capitalist models.
- Equity in Blue Jobs: Early exposure to marine careers and alternative pathways can open doors for marginalised groups.
Final Thoughts: Just Start
One of the most poignant messages from the panel was simple: don’t let fear of failure hold you back. This is new territory, and mistakes are inevitable. But every step, no matter how small, contributes to growth. As one panellist put it, “Welcome the discomfort—it’s not failure, it’s growth.”
The next session is in February 2025. Follow Ocean and Coastal Futures to find out more.
Watch the full webinar below: