Five actionable pillars to engage the next generation of leaders in the co-design of transformative ocean solutions

Erin V Satterthwaite; Valeriya Komyakova; Natalia G Erazo; Louise Gammage; Gabriel A Juma; Rachel Kelly; Daniel Kleinman; Delphine Lobelle; Rachel Sapery James; Norlaila Binti Mohd Zanuri

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3001832

Five actionable pillars to engage the next generation of leaders in the co-design of transformative ocean solutions

PLoS Biol. 2022 Oct 17;20(10):e3001832. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001832. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ California Sea Grant, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America.
² Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
³ Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
⁴ Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America.
⁵ Department of Biological Sciences and Marine & Antarctic Research for Innovation & Sustainability (MARIS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
⁶ Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany.
⁷ Seaworthy Collective, Miami, Florida, United States of America.
⁸ Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
⁹ Blue Pacific Programs Manager, WWF-Australia, Gubbi Gubbi Country, Sunshine Coast.
¹⁰ Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Abstract

Solutions to complex and unprecedented global challenges are urgently needed. Overcoming these challenges requires input and innovative solutions from all experts, including Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). To achieve diverse inclusion from ECOPs, fundamental changes must occur at all levels-from individuals to organizations. Drawing on insights from across the globe, we propose 5 actionable pillars that support the engagement of ECOPs in co-design processes that address ocean sustainability: sharing knowledge through networks and mentorship, providing cross-boundary training and opportunities, incentivizing and celebrating knowledge co-design, creating inclusive and participatory governance structures, and catalyzing culture change for inclusivity. Foundational to all actions are the cross-cutting principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity. In addition, the pillars are cross-boundary in nature, including collaboration and innovation across sectors, disciplines, regions, generations, and backgrounds. Together, these recommendations provide an actionable and iterative path toward inclusive engagement and intergenerational exchange that can develop ocean solutions for a sustainable future.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Conservation of Natural Resources*
Humans
Oceans and Seas

Grants and funding

EVS is supported by a collaborative agreement between California Sea Grant, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI), the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). LCG is supported by the National Research Foundation through the South African Research Chair in Marine Ecology and Fisheries [65238], Eco-ACE project [136481] and the TRIATLAS project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 817578. NGE is supported by the Ministry of higher education, science, technology and innovation (SENESCYT) scholarship program in Ecuador. DL is part of the “Tracking Of Plastic In Our Seas” (TOPIOS) project, supported through funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 715386). GAJ is supported by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.