Oceans and marine ecosystems: challenges, drivers and solutions (IDS) TODAY

This session is one of three thematic deep dives on the K4D Learning Journey on International Nature that consider how drivers of ecosystem degradation (e.g. population growth, lifestyle changes etc.), human activity (as both a cause and response to ecosystem degradation), and climate change interact, before examining Nature interventions as solutions. Political economy aspects will be central to whether or not Nature interventions are adopted and implemented effectively: each deep dive will be related to the wider context. Linkages between the three sectors will also be highlighted. The session will also consider trade-offs, governance and equity.

The Knowledge, Evidence and Learning for Development Programme (K4D) supports the use of learning and evidence to improve the impact of development policy and programmes. It is funded by UK aid and is designed to assist the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other UK government departments and partners to be innovative and responsive to rapidly changing and complex development challenges.

Please note that this event is only available to FCDO and other government department staff.

Essential study materials

Specific sources listed here are required reading before this session:

1. IIED:  These short videos are great resources to quickly get on board with three oceans issues:
   
   1. No hidden catch: why small-scale fisheries matter;
   2. Fiscal policy tools: creating a sustainable future for ocean and people;
   3. Governing the high seas: half of the planet that belongs to us all
2. Campaign for Nature. Protecting the global ocean for biodiversity, food and climate.
   
   1. Press release: https://www.campaignfornature.org/protecting-the-global-ocean-for-biodiversity-food-and-climate#fact
   2. Full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03371-z
3. UNESCO. Facts and figures on marine biodiversity. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/focus-areas/rio-20-ocean/blueprint-for-the-future-we-want/marine-biodiversity/facts-and-figures-on-marine-biodiversity/
4. Reimer, J. (2021). How marine protected areas help safeguard the ocean. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/how-marine-protected-areas-help-safeguard-the-ocean-152516

Optional

1. Tittensor, D.P. et al. (2019). Integrating climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation in the global ocean. Science Advances, 5.11, DOI: 10.1126/scia
2. Jeffrey Chow (2018) Mangrove management for climate change adaptation and sustainable development in coastal zones, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 37:2, 139-156, DOI: 10.1080/10549811.2017.1339615 (not open access).
3. Diaz, S. et al. (2015). The IPBES Conceptual Framework- connecting nature and people. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, vol 14, pp. 1-16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2014.11.002 Box 2, page 8
4. Eriksson, H. et al. (2017).  The role of fish and fisheries in recovering from natural hazards: Lessons learned from Vanuatu. Environmental Science & Policy, 76, pp. 50-58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2017.06.012. (not open access).
5. Oceans 21, a series of five ocean profiles including the Pacific and how they are being impacted by climate change and other stressors: https://oceans21.netlify.app/
6. Virdin, J., Osterblom, H. & Jouffray, J-B. (2021). Blue economy: how a handful of companies reap most of the benefits in multi-billion ocean industries. The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/blue-economy-how-a-handful-of-companies-reap-most-of-the-benefits-in-multi-billion-ocean-industries-153165
7. Roberts, C. M. et al. (2017). Marine reserves can mitigate and promote adaptation to climate change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114 (24) 6167-6175; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701262114