Informed selfishness – Practical reflections on building a sustainable ocean economy
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Marine Policy
Abstract
In September 2018, a group of 14 Heads of States and Governments from all regions of the world came together
to create the High Level Panel (HLP) for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (SOE). The HLP is co-chaired by the Prime
Minister of Norway and the President of Palau. Simply put, the HLP seeks to ensure a SOE worldwide. In
February 2021, the #VirtualBlueDecade initiative convened a panel of ocean practitioners from both the Global
South and Global North to reflect on practical ways to build a SOE. Here, we present a summary of the key issues
discussed by the panel, grouped around five topics: (i) words do initiate actions; (ii) goal setting is an important
step in achieving a SOE; (iii) unsustainable practices are no longer justifiable as necessary evils for funding or
obtaining social license for the transformation to a SOE; (iv) scientists must learn to communicate with policy
makers; and (v) support South-South cooperation. We conclude that to achieve a SOE, the concept of “Informed
Selfishness” should be considered as a guiding principle for developing policies and implementing sustainability
actions.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Sustainable oceans, Economy, Global South and Global North, Local, Regional, Global, Fisheries