AN OCEAN OF ACTIONS Showcasing our Blue Economy journey at WOC
WOC Internship Program 2021
Introduction to WOC Internship Program 2021 World Ocean Council (WOC) has the challenge that many NGOs have there is more work than what we have the resources for; while talented young people are struggling to get relevant working experience. In an era of increasing uncertainty, complexity and inequality, we need the skills and the ability to make this program sustainable and regenerative. Therefore, in addition to a conventional internship program, we have applied Enrol Yourself (EY)’s Learning Marathon structure.
Project based, peer group learning accelerator A cohort of 13 people has gathered for this 3 month Internship Journey with two objectives in our minds: ● To equip up-and-coming professionals with lifelong learning capabilities in order to meet of the need of future of work and to thrive in time of uncertainty. ● To provide young professionals with involvement in real-life projects and direct engagement with ocean industry operators. Each of us have two tracks of projects: WOC Program Project, and Self-Identified Learning Project. *This 2021 internship program is a pilot. This year interns worked as volunteer and the training is free of charge. The intention for future program is to be inclusive and sustainable: paid internship, with paid training with possible bursaries.
We are now at the end of this journey, this booklet will show you what we did and we want to invite you to our ShowCase Day on the 9th September. Click Here to Register [Optional: insert caption]
WOC Internship Program 2021 Hannah Leach Track 1: Young Ocean Professionals Program
Track 2: How can society overcome its disconnect with food & have ownership of our food systems?
Si Chen Track 1: GloFouling Partnerships Project
Track 2: Whether & how should I start a company in the ocean energy industry?
Alessandro Gibertini Track 1: Ocean Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Working Group
Track 2: How to communicate the Ocean and Blue Economy through a radio show?
Manikarachchige Imali Udeshika Manikarachchi Track 1: Small Islands and Blue Economy Business Development
Track 2: In what ways ocean sciences can help sustain the blue economy and how to achieve that.
Isabella Glušauskaite Track 1: SMART Ocean-SMART Industries (SO-SI)
Track 2: How standardization of data would be applicable across institutions for future maritime archaeological research?
Farzaneh Shakeri Track 1: Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty
Track 2: How to translate legal concepts into figures and vice versa
Michelle Chong Track1: Global Blue Economy Innovation Initiatives Network
Track 2: What are the most effective financing strategies for ocean biodiversity conservation?
Caroline Schaus Track 1: Blue Economy Ocean Sustainable Development Communications & Events
Track 2: How can I get inner city youths in landlocked Colorado involved in the climate movement?
Adelaida Patrasc-Lungu Track 1: 30 x 30 Marine Conservation/ Marine Protected Area (MPA) Campaign
Track 2: How can I explore opportunities for valorization of (micro)algae?
Yvonne Oeser Track 1: Ocean Investor Roundtable/Ocean ESG Framework
Track 2: How can I make my way intro the ocean environment/economy
Kalyani Bhagabani Track 1: Port/Coastal Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience
Track 2: Scouting innovations at local, regional and national level around sustainable development of oceans.
Zoe Scott Track 1: Ocean Restoration/CO2 Removal Roundtable/Program
Track 2: What are the potential applications of current technology and research to combat ocean acidification
Tina Liu Track 1: WOC Internship Program 2021 Host
Track 2: How can we use business as a regenerative practise for oneself, organisation, societie, & our earth.
Our Favorite Poems of Ocean
Hannah Leach I'm from Oxfordshire, as far from the ocean as you can be in the UK. This hasn't stifled my love for the sea but intensified it. I'm passionate about sustainable policy and engendering positive impact from corporations. Born in Kenya, and raised in an international setting, I have a strong desire to be part of the diverse team to deliver sustainable stewardship over the planet. I believe oceans are our key to mitigating climate change and I am excited to be a part of the movement that aims to protect this essential part of our global system. Current location: France Home country: U.K
WOC Program Project: Young Ocean Professionals Program Self-Identified Learning Project: Lessons from Cape Verde: How can society overcome its disconnect with food, and have ownership of our food systems? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Should we dependent on the market to solve the environmental crises?
Young Ocean Professionals Program The Young Ocean Professionals (YOP) initiative is a global, multi-sectoral and educational network to catalyze and leverage sustainability in the Ocean Business Community. The YOP programme aims to provide a space for connection, collaboration and leadership for those in the beginnings of their careers in ocean related industries. YOP provides an opportunity to instil sustainability and collaboration into these industries through events, round tables, mentorship, and participant-led action. WOC is looking to streamline the events and projects the YOP programme offers to ensure YOP provides real and focussed opportunity for those in and those looking to enter the ocean business community. This will eventually involve a mentorship programme, regular events, meet-ups and discounted access to wider WOC events.
Lessons from Cape Verde: How can society overcome its disconnect with food, and have ownership of our food systems? Food is one of our basic necessities, yet most individuals have no idea the origins of their food, or who caught it or how it came to be on their plate. These are critical questions, but few dare ask them. Fishermen in Cape Verde using the tourist industry
Some people are concerned by this, yet this information is not readily available. However, others aren't concerned, possibly because of a lack of time, or education/understanding. Food democracy is a concept that follows food sovereignty. The latter says all have a right to healthy, culturally appropriate and sustainably sourced food. Food democracy builds upon this but goes further, to explain how food systems are political, and determined by Big Business, and by expounding on the universal declaration of human rights, that all have a right to food, food democracy demands that all have a right to understand how food has become political and that we should all have a say in how our food system is run. Then another concept, also centred around democracy, is radical democracy. This concept by Redecker and Herzig builds on the 1980s concept coined by Laclau and Mouffe, that explains how democracy has been appropriated by neoliberal and neoconservative oppressors to silence minorities. Placing this concept in the food system, Redecker and Herzig, explain how minorities can rise above oppressors to take ownership of their food systems. I researched how these concepts work in relation to fishing industries. Cape Verde's economy was not built on diversity, and lacked funding to develop infrastructure for a fishing industry. However, through tourism, the fishing industry has developed in Cape Verde. This case study bridges industry diversity, income inequality, sustainability and society connection with food. Yet, research shows this is not a love story between equals. The tourism industry in Cape Verde drives what is caught and determines income distribution amongst different social groups within the country. My question from here is could education and eco-tourism benefit this unequal relationship between industries? And could the results from this research be applied to the food system as a whole, in order to answer the question about disconnect?
Si Chen I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences and expertise in experimental fluid dynamics. “Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” I have always been eager to discover new fields and explore the unknown world. I enjoy solving problems, making an impact, and working with talented and interesting people.
Current location: U.S.A Home country: China
WOC Program Project: GloFouling Partnerships Project Self-Identified Learning Project: Whether and how should I start a company in the ocean energy industry? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Underwater acoustics, anthropogenic noise and its potential impacts on marine mammals si.chen@alumni.unc.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/si-chen-0227/
GloFouling Partnerships Project Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, algae, plants and animals on submerged structures. The transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) through biofouling has been identified as a major threat to the world’s oceans and to the conservation of biodiversity. GloFouling Partnerships is part of the wider efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to protect marine ecosystems from the negative effects of invasive species.
The overall objective of the GloFouling Partnerships Project is to build capacity in developing countries for implementing the IMO Biofouling and other relevant guidelines for biofouling management and to catalyse overall reductions in the transboundary introduction of biofouling-mediated IAS with additional benefits in the reduction of GHG emissions from global shipping. While IMO will focus on shipping and associated industries, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) has joined the three main partners (GEF, UNDP and IMO) to lead the approach to other marine sectors.
Whether and how should I start a company in the ocean energy industry? With nearly 2.4 billion people, or 40% of the global population, living within 100 kilometres of the coast, ocean energy presents a convenient solution to tackle climate change while contributing to a more sustainable future.
In this project, I will research the following areas with the purpose of exploring the opportunity of starting my own business in the ocean energy industry: ● Ocean energy technologies, resource potential, trends, and the global market; ● Market pathways and business models; ● Challenges of ocean energy development and deployment; ● My capabilities and risks.
Alessandro Gibertini My city is in the middle of a large flat land, so when thinking about the Ocean I need to be creative, and the relationship with the blue waters is concentrated, but also intense and passionate.
Current location: Italy Home country: Italy
I like to get adrenaline from cliff diving and playing music on air at a local radio station. Helping the community to meet real-world challenges is my mission, especially considering the sustainable use of Ocean resources. In this process I aim to act through the application of Engineering, Marine Sciences, Blue Economy principles and music. Some projects are boiling in the pot, so I am interested in getting in touch with as many minds as possible.
WOC Program Project: Ocean Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Working Group Self-Identified Learning Project: How to communicate the Ocean and Blue Economy through a radio show? Workshop Delivered During the Program: ON AIR: speaking and producing for radio and podcasts www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-gibertini/ alessandro.gibertini1@gmail.com
Ocean EIA Working Group Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process of evaluating the environmental impacts of a proposed project, strategy or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse, prior to decision-making (CBD, UNEP). The EIA is a tool that has been developed mostly at a local scale through the application of national or regional regulations, but has significant deficits in areas such as deep sea, waters beyond national jurisdiction a (BBNJ) and conservation (Marine Protected Areas, 30x30 programme, etc.). Those are the drivers that lead the World Ocean Council (WOC) to work for establishing an international, cross-disciplinary Ocean EIA Working Group (WG) to bring together all EIA stakeholders (practitioners, clients, regulators, science), and the goal of this call to action is to make marine EIA moving forward and creating a more sustainable Blue Economy. The program is brand new and is at its very beginning. During the internship I proactively supported the creation of the short and long term strategy of the WG. Collaborating with a group of EIA experts we defined the main WG activities, that include also best practices, roundtables and certified training packages for junior profiles (the next generation of EIA practitioners). In addition, we carried out a market analysis to identify the potential EIA stakeholders and we selected more than 60 EIA consultancy companies that we aim to engage as potential members of the WG in the very next future.
How to communicate Blue Economy through a radio show? Blue Economy addresses the sustainable exploitation of Ocean’s resources. But being sustainable doesn’t mean just to produce energy through renewables or to recycle plastic wastes collected on a beach. Being sustainable means to carry out all those activities leading to the creation of values shared between the whole community. We can’t expect actions without a full consciousness of having a common goal. So, education is the first step of this crucial process and in this context the concept of “community radio” promoted by UNESCO plays a key role. In this WOC Booklet you will run into some interesting starting actions. So, I guess that now you are wondering what will happen next! Who will update you? In addition, as the majority of the Ocean is still unexplored, there are a lot of actions taking place everywhere that we don’t even know! I am talking about newest frontiers of Blue Economy, or better, new horizons…
Blue Horizon is my brand new radio show that aims to communicate the Ocean and Blue Economy actions to the community. It is a 60 minutes long talk show and is divided into 4 sections, 15 minutes each, designed to involve the highest number and variety of blue economy stakeholders: Science & Research, Business & Innovation, Community, Adventure. Stakeholders will actively participate into the show and for each section I will interview one guest. Besides the education purpose, I also want to entertain the audience, so music will play a key role and will help, not only to make everything more dynamic, but also to emphasize the presented topics and concepts. Regarding the involvement of stakeholders, my goal is to create a network, so the key will be to think globally but act locally. I am based in Milan, so the priority will be given to what happens in Italy and the official language will be Italian. Anyway, many interviews will be done also in English to promote international projects. Potential partnership based in MIlan: - Radio station (POLI.RADIO) - Universities active in the Blue Economy (Politecnico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca) - NGOs (The Oceancy, Worldrise Onlus) - Book shop (La libreria del mare) - Film festival (Ocean Film Festival) - Restaurant (Pescatorum)
Manikarachchige Imali Udeshika Manikarachchi I am currently working as a lecturer at Ocean University of Sri Lanka. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries and Marine Sciences and a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Affairs, specialised in ocean management. My areas of academic and professional interest extend to Marine Sciences, Marine Environment Management, Ocean Governance and Sustainable Blue Economy. As a lecturer, I teach and undertake students’ research supervision in various marine and maritime related topics. I am a published author and have participated as a speaker in numerous national and international forums and conferences for ocean affairs. Current location: U.K. Home country: Sir Lanka
WOC Program Project: Small Islands and Blue Economy Business Development Self-Identified Learning Project: In what ways ocean sciences can help sustain the blue economy and how to achieve that. Workshop Delivered During the Program: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) https://www.linkedin.com/in/imali-manikarachchi-9aba1939/ ImaliM@ocu.ac.lk https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Imali-Manikarachchi
Small Islands and Blue Economy Business Development There are three regions of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the world namely, Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
SIDS regions are struggling with issues associated with economic development, social justice, and environmental preservation.
They are vulnerable to unique economical, environmental and social challenges.
Most existing partnerships are functioned at national or sub regional level.
WOC has partnered with SIDS-GBN to provide an assessment report on private sector partnerships in SIDS.
Not having a regional coordinating body was a major constraint in establishing partnerships.
In all three SIDS regions, the contribution to lead PP in Blue economy is very low.
Establishing new PP in the SIDS regions is important and it is necessary to assess the available opportunities.
In what ways ocean sciences can help sustain the blue economy and how to achieve that? Today the concept of Blue Economy has gained worldwide attention as a way to achieve sustainable development by responsible utilization of ocean resources and space. In a situation where demand exceeds supply, natural resources degradation is inevitable and this “Tragedy of the Commons” is equally applicable to ocean resources.
It is important to seek solutions to the emerging issues of resource scarcities and scientific researches play an important role from problem diagnosis to providing solution. My intention is to find how selected maritime sectors (fisheries, shipping and marine bioprospecting) can make use of modern scientific knowledge to minimize their environmental impacts. Bridging science and industry provides win-win situation to both parties. A framework shall be manifested where the scientists can be actively engaged with industrial practices.
Isabella Glušauskaite
Current location: U.K. Home country: Estonia
I am a soon-to-be Maritime Archaeologist and a Sailing Coach in Estonia. My sailing background had pushed me to look for professions in the maritime sector and work my professions together to create a better 'preservation' of maritime cultures. Hence, my interest in the global understanding and cooperation has encouraged me to incorporate maritime archaeology and sailing into the future developments of the maritime sector.
WOC Program Project: SMART Ocean-SMART Industries (SO-SI) Self-Identified Learning Project: How the standardization of data would be applicable across states and research institutions which would be beneficial for maritime archaeological research projects in the future? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Identifying and /or Researching Maritime Archaeology and Its Probable Impact isabellaglus@gmail.com @bellaglus https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-glušauskaite-71336715a/
SMART Ocean-SMART Industries (SO-SI) Efforts to date have put instruments on “ships of opportunity” and yielded important data and experience, but these have been limited in numbers of vessels, areas covered and timespan due to the lack of an overall system to foster, plan and coordinate the strategic use of industry vessels and platforms for data collection. The WOC’s SO-SI program will build on existing ships of opportunity efforts and create a program fostering and coordinating collaboration between the diverse Ocean Business Community and the scientific community. A systematic, regular, sustained and integrated collection and reporting of standardized ocean and atmospheric data for input to operational and scientific programs would indeed contribute to: monitoring /managing ocean ecosystems, understanding ocean, weather and climate conditions and trends, improving ocean health and management, and improving the safety and sustainability of commercial activities at sea.
Farzaneh Shakeri I am a lawyer from Iran. I studied law in four different countries and finally obtained my PhD in 2016 but not in the law of the sea nor in maritime law! I fell in love with the charm of the ocean only when I started my fellowship at ITLOS in 2015. After the fellowship it was clear to me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life: to become an ocean lawyer. Current location: Germany Home country: Iran
WOC Program Project: Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty Self-Identified Learning Project: How to translate legal concepts into figures and vice versa Workshop Delivered During the Program: How lawyers perceive the ocean? (Foundations of the Law of the Sea)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzanehshakeri/
Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty Under the auspices of the United Nations, a new global agreement on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) is being negotiated. Negotiations cover a “Package Deal” which includes four elements: 1. marine genetic resources (MGRs) and benefit sharing; 2. area-based management tools (ABMTs) including marine protected area (MPAs); 3. environmental impact assessment (EIS); 4. capacity -building and transfer of marine technology.
WOC is an accredited observer to the BBNJ negotiations and has been the only private sector organization regularly participating in the overall BBNJ process including its Preparatory Committee Meetings and Negotiation Sessions since it began over a decade ago. WOC aims to provide business and industry with: 1. Information, updates and analysis on the BBNJ/UNCLOS process and developments. 2. A structure, process and vehicle for developing and delivering coordinated private sector information, messages and input into the formal BBNJ intergovernmental process and related processes, e.g. side events, conferences, workshops, working groups. 3. A coordinated process to engage and exchange information with governments, U.N./Intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations (e.g. environment NGOs, science organizations/institutions).
How to translate legal concepts into figures and vice versa The idea is very basic: how to reconcile law with other disciplines especial when it comes to ocean studies.
I came across my learning question when I decided to challenge myself and work on a research project which required me to use data and do a legal analysis accordingly. I then realized that it is only the question of acquiring new skills. In fact, I changed my learning question some weeks after the beginning of Enrol Yourself, which already shows how it helped me to discover hidden sides to my personality and be more courageous.
Michelle Chong
Current location: Singapore Home country: China/HK
Michelle works in the finance and fintech industry, currently specializing in Asia Pacific issues. Her career in financial crime prevention exposed her to the shipping industry's trade finance sector and sparked her interest in ocean conservation and the prevention of wildlife trafficking. She is currently pursuing a Sustainability Masters at the Harvard Extension School. In her spare time, you'll most likely find her trekking in South East Asian rainforests or diving under ocean waves.
WOC Program Project: Global Blue Economy Innovation Initiatives Network Self-Identified Learning Project: What are the most effective financing strategies for ocean biodiversity conservation (including government, the private sector, non-profits and individuals)? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Strategies for detecting wildlife trafficking through financial flows & e-commerce https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-chong/ *Self identified project wasn’t executed in the program, due to healthy and work commitment,
Global Blue Economy Innovation Initiatives Network The Global Blue Economy Innovation Initiatives Network is a worldwide community of ocean-related accelerators, incubators, challenge competitions and startup hubs involved in ocean sustainable development.
Biofouling Innovation Challenge In line with the network’s vision to focus innovation initiatives on the most critical ocean sustainability challenges, and bring them to market, the WOC is hosting a Biofouling Innovation Challenge in 2022 as part of the Glofouling Partnerships Project. The competition aims to increase the pipeline of solutions to combat the ecological damage, pollution and hydrodynamic drag caused by invasive aquatic species attached to ships and other marine equipment.
I was responsible for determining the competition framework, including the competition format, timelines, submission tooling and advertising platforms, and drafted the challenge guidelines and judging criteria for applicants, judges and investors.
Strategies for detecting wildlife trafficking through financial flows & e-commerce In my workshop I shared how analytics and investigative systems developed by financial institutions, banks and tech companies for identify money laundering, can be used to detecting illegal wildlife trade through analysing financial flows. As the sale of trafficked and endangered marine species (e.g. shark fins, tropical fish for the pet trade) moves online due to COVID-19, there are greater opportunities to trace the illicit financial activity back to the perpetrators.
Caroline Schaus I am a recent graduate with a B.A. in ecology and evolutionary biology from CU Boulder! I am committed to a career in which I can be part of the solution to undo the damage that we, the human species, have done to our world. I’m dedicated to help in conservation areas including protecting endangered species, wildlife, and ecosystems that impact the livelihood of local and indigenous people, and more. Current location: U.S.A. Home country: U.S.A.
WOC Program Project: Blue Economy/Ocean Sustainable Development Communications and Events Self-Identified Learning Project: How can I get inner city youths in landlocked Colorado involved in the climate movement? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Introduction of Intersectional Conservation Ecology and Intersectional Environmentalism
linkedin.com/in/caroline-schaus-544aa81b1
https://www.instagram.com/caroline_schaus
Blue Economy/Ocean Sustainable Development Communications and Events
During this internship, I gained insight into how an international NGO can communicate with the rest of the world. My job was to analyze and then give suggestions of how to update the communication strategies of the WOC. My efforts included managing mailing lists for roundtables, research on CRM systems, editing News Releases, co creating a News Release for this internship and this showcase event, analysis and subsequent suggestions for changes for the WOC website content and format, analysis and subsequent suggestions for changes to the WOC social media accounts, and finally, brainstorming new communication and outreach strategies on the micro and macro levels.
How to get youths in land-locked Colorado involved in the climate movement? To decide which youths to target, I researched the lowest funded middle schools in Colorado. I believe that climate education is very important , and sometimes schools with lower funding do not have the resources or information about this movement. I then came up with a week long program to involve the kids which includes a list of activities in their daily lives they can do to participate in the climate movement such as recycling, 5 minute showers, etc.. To motivate the kids to join the program, I will be giving the schools stickers I designed (top right) to give to students who participate.
Introduction to Conservation Ecology In my workshop I gave background information about my education and passion of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CU Boulder. I provided a definition and explanation of the concept of conservation ecology: working to conserve biodiversity while taking into account the impacts on local and indigenous people. I also provided sources for more information about the intersectional environmentalism movement.
Adelaida Patrasc-Lungu I believe multi-angled approaches can help address “wicked problems”. After working in business roles and in social sciences research, I conducted research on pro-environmental behaviors in organizations. Ultimately, I aim to help accelerate the transition to sustainable people - environment interactions. To get myself better equipped to support this mission, I am currently pursuing a degree in environmental engineering. I enjoy being outdoors as well as under water, “better-ing” myself as well as supporting others’ betterment journeys. Current location: Portugal Home country: Romania
WOC Program Project: 30 x 30 Marine Conservation/ Marine Protected Area (MPA) Campaign Self-Identified Learning Project: How can I explore opportunities for valorization of (micro)algae (e.g., as food source and means for carbon sequestration)? Workshop Delivered During the Program: Intro to Environmental Psychology
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelaida-patrasc-lungu/
30 x 30 Marine Conservation/ Marine Protected Area (MPA) Campaign The protection of 30% of Earth’s lands and ocean is a key target of the first draft of the global framework for preservation and protection of nature and its biodiversity through 2030 and beyond. The framework was announced by The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat in July this year, to further be discussed this fall. Other targets includea reduction and redistribution of at least $US 500 billion per year from incentives harmful for biodiversity, a further $US 200 billion in new financial flows to developing countries, the elimination of plastic waste discharge, as well as all businesses reporting on their biodiversity impacts. WOC is looking to support 30x30 marine conservation efforts through a dedicated program. One of its aims is to build an Ocean 30x30 Business Leadership Coalition. Through its diverse membership including the scientific community and NGOs, WOC can facilitate best practice exchange and action leadership.
One of the key goals also spells out a reduction in rate of extinctions by at least a factor of 10 and 90% of genetic diversity within all species to be maintained. An 15% expansion of natural ecosystems and their interconnectivity are also included. MPAs can be expected to play a key role in the achievement of these goals. Through connected efforts such as Global Ocean Alliance 30by30 and the High Ambition Coalition (HAC), over 50 countries have already expressed their commitment to protect 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030.
Photo credit: Tim El-Helou theoceanagency.org/exhibition
How can I explore opportunities for valorization of (micro)algae? Algae’s protein yield in pounds/acre is 27 times bigger than soy. Their oil yield is 4 times that of palm oil and 22 times that of canola. Their biomass yield is twice that of sugar cane [1]. My interest in algae spawned from their potential in tackling some of the next decades’ big challenges - carbon sequestration, food access for a growing population, and the need for repurposing land surfaces facing aridification or soil degradation. Among algae’s many uses, I was most interested in their valorization as food source and as agricultural fertilizers. Food and other types of waste can be used as inputs in the microalgae production, enabling a circular economy approach.
I explored the topic by reviewing scientific papers as well as reading about European and Portuguese algae markets. I also embarked on an algae biotechnology course and am keen on further expanding my understanding of the topic. In Europe, the number of production units of microalgae is considerably smaller than that of macroalgae or spirulina. It is estimated that 71% of microalgae production employs photobioreactors but optimization of open reactors is among the key directions for current and future research [2]. In Portugal, where I am based, advancements seem to be driven by both industry and the academia, often as cross-sector partnerships. The future still has a lot in store for this billion year old organism. 1 Algae Biotechnology course on Coursera 2 Araújo et al. (2021) Photo credit: Araújo et al. (2021)
Yvonne Oeser I am an open-minded enthusiast from Germany, interested in every sport connected to water. My background in business and economics enabled me to look into the fields of startup investments and development of innovative business models during the first years of my professional career so far. I am very much looking forward to setting up a holistic ESG framework on blue finance to help save the ocean and the life of dozens of wonderful species. Current location: Germany Home country: Germany
WOC Program Project: Ocean Investor Roundtable/Ocean ESG Framework Self-Identified Learning Project: How can I make my way intro the ocean environment/economy
*Due to family member’s illness and pass away, Yvonne had to reduce the participation to the program for the second half. But we include her effort in the booklet
Ocean ESG Framework The World Ocean Council is raising awareness on the opportunities for investors to invest in responsible ocean economic development. The WOC “Ocean Investment Platform” provides a global infrastructure, process and opportunity to facilitate change in collaboration with the investment community, with major ocean-use companies, and companies providing technology and solutions for ocean sustainable development challenges. The Ocean Investment Platform is structured and processed to bring together leadership companies from major ocean use sectors, enterprises that provide the solutions – innovation, technology, products, services or information, and investors. The WOC “Ocean Investment Platform” brings value by: • Catalysing interaction among ocean users, solution providers and investors. • Providing a common process to identify, articulate and evaluate ocean industry priorities for investment. • Facilitating synergies and economies of scale among investors, innovation initiatives and challenge competitions to more effectively address ocean sustainable development needs and opportunities.
Kalyani Bhagabani
Current location: India Home country: India
After completing an MS in Analytical Chemistry, she realized her interest in sustainable innovation and understanding the various tenets of sustainable development. Currently she is working as the Innovation Associate of Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster which is an initiative by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Hailing from Eastern India, which is the hotbed of super cyclones year after year, she aims to understand the current advances of the Ocean Business Community wet Blue Economy in South East Asia and propagate the mission of responsible and sustainable development of seas.
WOC Program Project: Port/Coastal Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience Self-Identified Learning Project: Scouting innovations at local, regional and national level around sustainable development of oceans. Connect with startups working in the domain and study their social impact projects and connect them with WOC if deemed necessary. Workshop Planned: Initiating and Planning projects: Introduction to Project Management *Due to family issues, Kalyani had to quit the program from week 3. But we include her effort in the booklet
Port/Coastal Infrastructure Adaptation and Resilience The World Ocean Council (WOC) is establishing an international, cross-disciplinary Ocean EIA Working Group (WG) to bring together EIA Practitioners, EIA Clients, EIA Regulators, and EIA Science. The international, multi-disciplinary WG will enable EIA practitioners and companies to present their experience and recommendations for best practices in Ocean EIA, and work with other stakeholders in developing marine EIA moving forward. A key driver for the WG is the upcoming EIA requirements for ocean industries according to the regulations being promulgated in major new extension of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Scouting innovations at local, regional and national level around sustainable development of oceans. Connect with startups working in the domain and study their social impact projects and connect them with WOC if deemed necessary. What still have the idea, his vision of what he wants but he has a long way to go.
Zoe Scott Zoe comes from Oxford and is currently a Chemistry student at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She has a keen interest in environmental and materials chemistry and its applications in combating climate change and pollution. In her spare time she enjoys hillwalking, playing flute and lacrosse and crochet.
Current location: U.K. Home country: U.K.
WOC Program Project: Ocean Restoration/CO2 Removal Roundtable/Program Self-Identified Learning Project: What are the potential applications of current technology and research to combat ocean acidification
*Self identified project wasn’t executed in the program.
Tina Liu I am the COO of World Ocean Council, and in this program I am also a host and peer with in this cohort of ocean professional, finding my way in this blue world: as an individual - How can I live myself as a blue citizen; as a business executive, how can organisations influence, lead and facilitate our economical and social activities to be truly sustainable.
Current location: Israel Home country: China
Prior to the WOC, I worked in the shipping industry, where I have seen well-intentioned NGOs from outside telling us the problems, but it doesn’t drive enough change. I believe the change needs to happen within - both within ourselves, and within the business organisations and ocean related industries.
In my spare time, i serve as a hospice caregiver, and yoga and buddhism philosophy interpreter. I love ancient languages, and my passion is in individual and collective transformation, organisational development, ecosystem stewardship.
WOC Program Project: WOC Internship Program 2021 Host Self-Identified Learning Project: How can we use business as a regenerative practise for oneself, our organisation, our society, and for our earth. Workshop Delivered During the Program: Our World & Research - Philosophy, Science and Action Research www.linkedin.com/in/tina-qianwen-liu-2231389 @TinaQianwenLiu www.instagram.com/business_un.usual/
Hosting WOC Internship Program The challenge We often face the challenge that there is not enough resources to leverage on, so we cannot get to where we wish to be, in life and in organisations. I believe “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them.” In this journey I researched and experimented unconventional method, with the intention to grow beyond this challenge for my organisation (WOC) and for our environment (Ocean).
What I have done There are many great method being developed for us to navigate through complex and uncertain situations like what humanity facing today, to name a few: OST, TAE, Focusing, Work that Reconnects, Learning Marathon. For this internship program, i have applied Learning Marathon’s peer group structure, so the cohort (peers) can learn from the authoritative source, as well as from each other, and more importantly, we decide what we will learn for an important part of the program.
What I learned To have a space conducive and regenerative, we need structures.. The acupuncture points of the structure for a healthy space need to allow and support: autonomy, communication (ongoing feedback), showing up, step out of comfort zone in a supportive environment. There are different ways to ensure those key elements.
What’s next ● Adjust and prototype the internship program for future years. (please leave your feedback) ● Applying and experimenting other high performance methods to high complexity and high urgency field - our ocean.
How can we use business as a regenerative practise for oneself, for the society, and for our earth. The challenge In the pursuitment of sustainable ocean, i found myself and our colleagues often are not working in sustainable ways. Hence starting from me, to us (organisation) to all of us (society), how can we use business as a regenerative practise.
What I have done There are many great methods, practices, experiences from Pioneers, i read some of the work, especially Carol Sanford’s Regenerative Business.
What I learned There is so much wisdom in the nature, if we can listen and learn from them. The Indiginous culture as co-existed much longer with nature before industrial revolution, there is a lot we can learn from them. What we are facing (climate change and inequality etc) is not new but they are at an unprecedented scale. We need to go back to human desire, go beyond material, borrowing Einstein:” Problems cannot be solved with the same mind set that created them”. Industrial
What’s next This is the beginning of a new learning and doing journey. Other inspiring practises I would like to apply include: Integral Theory (Ken Wilber), Self Organising (Frederic Laloux), Open Space Technology (Harrison Owen), Focusing (Eugene Gendelin).
Our Favorite Poems of Ocean from last workshop Le Vaisseau
The Ship
Stéphen Moysan
Stéphen Moysan
Vaisseau de la mer Au vent s’en allant Le ciel pour repère, La terre s’éloignant. Les marines prières Se font en chantant, En levant les verres Pour honorer l’océan.
Sea vessel Going away with the wind The sky as a landmark, The land receding. The marine prayers Are done in song, Raising glasses To honor the ocean.
面朝大海， 春暖花开
FACING THE SEA, WITH SPRING BLOSSOMS
海子（查海生）
HAI ZI (Zha Haisheng)
从明天起，做一个幸福的人； 喂马，劈柴，周游世界； 从明天起，关心粮食和蔬菜； 我有一所房子，面朝大海，春暖 花开。 从明天起，和每一个亲人通信； 告诉他们我的幸福； 那幸福的闪电告诉我的； 我将告诉每一个人； 给每一条河每一座山取一个温暖
From tomorrow onwards, become a blissful man Feed horses, chop firewood, traverse the world From tomorrow onwards, care for grain and vegetables I have a house, facing the sea, with spring blossoms. From tomorrow onwards, write letters to each of my loved ones Tell them about my happiness; What that spark of bliss told me I shall recount to every single one of them
的名字。 陌生人，我也为你祝福； 愿你有一个灿烂的前程； 愿你有情人终成眷属； 愿你在尘世获的幸福； 我只愿面朝大海，春暖花开。
Give every winding river and every mountain an endearing name Stranger, I too wish you happiness I wish for you a glittering path ahead I wish for you to meet your lover, make a home I wish for you to receive happiness in this world I only wish to face the sea, with spring blossoms.
The Ocean’s Poem By Hannah-Ariel Leach
The vastness of you You all consuming immensity. No one has discovered all of you, You are the great enigma. We can see all of you, But not your depth. We take this to mean it does not exist, But this is our arrogance Our mistake Our misfortune. For how could we ever Know your enormity Map your wholeness, For you host beasts that Shrink our very existence.
You are beyond us The real Great unknown. Beyond wonder Beyond interpretation Beyond awe Beyond inspiration Beyond truth You are the impossible. The alien next door. Buouys want to discover you, To map you, objectify you, As they have on the land we walk.
The world that inhabits you Is more terrifying And unknown than The one that exists beyond us all.
Yet, darling, great ocean, There are some who strive to let you be alone, Let you feed the beasts and underwater forests we can but dare to imagine.
Awe is futile. It suggests we can be amazed, But how can we sit in wonder When wonder exists when there's Something known to be dreamt.
For there are wonders that should only exist in our minds, avoiding our manipulative hands.
How can we Dream of you? All we know of you exists in Our imagination.
So remain our one enigma, Our neighbouring alien, Our welcome stranger.
ﺣﺎﻓظ
دﯾده درﯾﺎ ﮐﻧم و ﺻﺑر ﺑﮫ ﺻﺣرا ﻓﮑﻧم و اﻧدر اﯾن ﮐﺎر دل ﺧوﯾش ﺑﮫ درﯾﺎ ﻓﮑﻧم از دل ﺗﻧﮓ ﮔﻧﮭﮑﺎر ﺑرآرم آھﯽ ﮐﺂﺗش اﻧدر ﮔﻧﮫ آدم و ﺣوا ﻓﮑﻧم ﻣﺎﯾﮫ ﺧوﺷدﻟﯽ آن ﺟﺎﺳت ﮐﮫ دﻟدار آن ﺟﺎﺳت ﻣﯽﮐﻧم ﺟﮭد ﮐﮫ ﺧود را ﻣﮕر آن ﺟﺎ ﻓﮑﻧم ﺑﮕﺷﺎ ﺑﻧد ﻗﺑﺎ ای ﻣﮫ ﺧورﺷﯾدﮐﻼه ﺗﺎ ﭼو زﻟﻔت ﺳر ﺳودازده در ﭘﺎ ﻓﮑﻧم ﺧوردهام ﺗﯾر ﻓﻠﮏ ﺑﺎده ﺑده ﺗﺎ ﺳرﻣﺳت ﻋﻘده درﺑﻧد ﮐﻣر ﺗرﮐش ﺟوزا ﻓﮑﻧم ﺟرﻋﮫ ﺟﺎم ﺑر اﯾن ﺗﺧت روان اﻓﺷﺎﻧم ﻏﻠﻐل ﭼﻧﮓ در اﯾن ﮔﻧﺑد ﻣﯾﻧﺎ ﻓﮑﻧم ﺣﺎﻓظﺎ ﺗﮑﯾﮫ ﺑر اﯾﺎم ﭼو ﺳﮭو اﺳت و ﺧطﺎ ﻣن ﭼرا ﻋﺷرت اﻣروز ﺑﮫ ﻓردا ﻓﮑﻧم
繁星
A Maze of Stars
冰心
by Bing Xin
三四 创造新陆地的， 不是那滚滚的波浪， 却是它底下细小的泥沙。
Never billow, but silt creates the world.
一三一 大海呵! 哪一颗星没有光？ 哪一朵花没有香？ 哪一次我的思潮里 没有你波涛的清响？
The sea! Which star has no light? Which flower has no fragrance? No time in my thoughts， without your melodies.
Antico, sono ubriacato dalla voce Eugenio Montale Antico, sono ubriacato dalla voce ch'esce dalle tue bocche quando si schiudono come verdi campane e si ributtano indietro e si disciolgono. La casa delle mie estati lontane, t'era accanto, lo sai, lá nel paese dove il sole cuoce e annuvolano l'aria le zanzare. Come allora oggi in tua presenza impietro, mare, ma non piú degno mi credo del solenne ammonimento del tuo respiro. Tu m'hai detto primo che il piccino fermento del mio cuore non era che un momento del tuo; che mi era in fondo la tua legge rischiosa: esser vasto e diverso e insieme fisso: e svuotarmi cosí d'ogni lordura come tu fai che sbatti sulle sponde tra sugheri alghe asterie le inutili macerie del tuo abisso.
The World Ocean Council (WOC) is the Global Blue Economy Business and Investment Organization – the international, multi-industry business alliance for leadership, collaboration and action on sustainable development and “Corporate Ocean Responsibility”.
Enrol Yourself is an award-winning social enterprise redesigning lifelong learning by harnessing the power of peer groups to multiply individual and collective development.
WEB: oceancouncil.org Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ world-ocean-council/ TWITTER: @OceanCouncil EMAIL: info@oceancounil.org
WEB: enrolyourself.com BLOG: medium.com/enrol-yourself TWITTER: @EnrolYourself INSTAGRAM: @enrol_yourself EMAIL: hello@enrolyourself.com
The original Learning Marathon is a 6 month peer-led learning accelerator designed to integrate into life alongside work.