Transformative ocean governance and just transitions towards a sustainable blue economy

Title: Transformative ocean governance and just transitions towards a sustainable blue economy

Funded by: University of Plymouth

Location: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, North Devon World Surfing Reserve (UK); Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and Manly Beach World Surfing Reserve (Australia)

Duration: April 2021 – December 2025

Project partners: University of Plymouth, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, North Devon World Surfing Reserve, Noosa World Suring Reserve, Australia, Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Manly and Freshwater

University of Plymouth PI:

Kizzy Beaumont

University of Plymouth staff: Dr Sian Rees , Professor Martin Attrill , Dr Claire Kelly

Transformative ocean governance (TOG) is an innovative approach to managing the world's oceans that aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, social equity, and cultural values. It involves a shift from the traditional top-down management style to a more inclusive and participatory approach that involves all stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, and civil society.

The future of TOG is likely to involve a number of key trends and developments, including greater recognition of the importance of the ocean, integrated approaches to ocean governance, use of new technologies, strengthened international cooperation and increased focus on economically viable sustainable development.

Aims and benefits

This research forms part of a PhD undertaken by Kizzy Beaumont regarding transformative ocean governance (TOG). The overarching aim of the research is to explore emerging coastal transitions through the social and economic impact of transformational ocean governance.

The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the North Devon World Surfing Reserve (both the first of their kind in the UK) have been suggested as possible mechanisms for TOG. This part of the research aims to review the transformative capabilities of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and North Devon World Surfing Reserve, identifying areas of good practice, gaps, barriers and enablers to received benefits using a transformative ocean governance framework developed by Kizzy.