As part of their commitment to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, many national governments are currently in the process of developing Sustainable Ocean Plans, which act as an umbrella for ocean governance. The ultimate goal is to ensure 100% of a country’s national waters are sustainably managed in a way that delivers on international commitments and builds a resilient economy that benefits future generations.
However, how these plans are developed and by whom is of critical importance.
Specifically, governments have an opportunity to co-produce their Sustainable Ocean Plans in ways that engage individuals, communities and policymakers in a shared vision of ocean stewardship. This can allow ocean governance to be tailored to local contexts, as Indigenous and traditional knowledge is deeply rooted in specific ecosystems, landscapes and cultural understandings of nature. Co-producing Sustainable Ocean Plans with Indigenous and traditional knowledge-holders is also essential for achieving equity, restorative justice and decolonization in ocean governance.
