In OCEAN CITIZEN we believe that protecting our ocean isn’t just an environmental issue; it is a responsibility we all share. Every effort counts, no matter how big or small. That’s why we place so much emphasis on incorporating diverse perspectives from all sectors. In this spirit, the second multistakeholder gathering of OCEAN CITIZEN took place in December in Tenerife.
The event was organised by Underwater Gardens International and Innoceana and hosted by Ayuntamiento de Guía de Isora at the Cultural Centre in Playa San Juan. A special thank you goes to them for their generous support and commitment to ocean conservation.
During the event, we had the opportunity to exchange ideas and discover local initiatives making impressive contributions to ocean health. The gathering brought together a wide range of participants: scientists, business leaders, environmental advocates, and local community members. The session kicked off with an update on the work and research conducted so far in Tenerife, primarily focusing on environmental evaluation.
The power of local action
The discussions emphasized three key aspects of ocean conservation:
- Collaboration across sectors: One of the main, if not the most significant, lessons learnt from the event was the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Working together and uniting efforts from different sectors (science, business, administration, etc) is essential to achieve a common goal, especially in marine conservation.
- Small actions, big impact: local actions have a ripple effect. Even the smallest action can have a big global impact that is able to inspire other communities worldwide.
- Raising collective awareness: seeing successful projects in action is incredibly motivating. It can foster a greater sense of responsibility and commitment to environmental protection.
Photo credits: Innoceana and Canary Green
Initiatives making an impact
Hearing from dedicated local initiatives leading conservation efforts was one of the event’s highlights. These initiatives demonstrated how small, targeted efforts can have a big impact on ocean health:
- Reforestation across Europe: this initiative focuses on reforesting degraded landscapes in collaboration with local communities. By restoring coastal ecosystems, it enhances biodiversity and contributes to the fight against climate change.
- Encouraging sustainable business practices: supporting businesses that adopt eco-friendly models is essential for long-term sustainability. Recognising and promoting environmentally responsible companies helps drive positive change across industries.
- Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): the event emphasised the importance of MPAs in protecting biodiversity. Well-managed MPAs serve as sanctuaries for marine life, ensuring long-term conservation.
- Researching marine ecosystems: studying shark feeding behaviour and the broader marine trophic web provides valuable insights into ocean health. Scientific data informs better conservation policies and sustainable practices.
A call to action for the future
More than just an exchange of ideas, the Tenerife meeting served as a reminder that both individual and group efforts are necessary for successful conservation. The conversations emphasised how important it is to take tiny steps to have a big impact on marine ecosystems.
The issue still stands: what role will you play in safeguarding our oceans going forward? Every action matters whether it be through community projects, research, sustainable choices, or advocacy. We can build a healthy ocean for the coming generations if we work together.
