Within the field of ocean conservation, as in many areas of social and environmental change work, we are witnessing a call to authentically advance equity issues, particularly within the context of the global pandemic and the social and racial disparities it has resurfaced.  This includes an emphasis on protecting human rights, supporting gender equity, and centering the expertise of Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities. For the ocean community specifically, it means protecting ocean life while also addressing issues affecting the people whose lives and livelihoods are directly connected to the ocean.

Within the field of ocean conservation, as in many areas of social and environmental change work, we are witnessing a call to authentically advance equity issues, particularly within the context of the global pandemic and the social and racial disparities it has resurfaced.  This includes an emphasis on protecting human rights, supporting gender equity, and centering the expertise of Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities. For the ocean community specifically, it means protecting ocean life while also addressing issues affecting the people whose lives and livelihoods are directly connected to the ocean.

Among ocean conservation grantees, there is no uniform understanding of equity, why it is important, what it entails, and how to address it.   Moving from discussions on equity to actual organizational shifts requires that organizations identify tangible internal and external practices to address.

We invite other conservation funders who may be exploring ways to shift their practices or support equity-work to join us on this journey. Let’s grow together. We look forward to listening and learning alongside our grantee and funding partners to deepen our understanding of what supports are needed.

Read the full article about generating equitable ocean conservation by Jamaica Maxwell, Maria Tourtchaninova, Sarah Hogan, and Heather Ludemann at The David and Lucille Packard Foundation.