Our Ocean our world Madalena Patacho Magazine
Exploring the world, communicating science and contributing for Ocean knowledge.
Welcome, We live in globalised world where it has become easier to explore even the most remote and inaccessible places of the globe. Todays avid explorers look for the best ways to do so, respecting and preserving the places they visit. When you have an itch for science often your curiosity is triggered and in my case it has been the connection between Ocean Literacy and Science communication that makes me wonder. In this magazine you will find the path that has led me to develop a personal mission and dedication to Science Communication and Ocean knowledge for conservation and a more sustainable life. As well as some research questions and ideas for the future. I hope you enjoy this journey‌
Madalena
Some background information My name is Madalena and I am an expedition naturalist, I have been working in science communication for more then a decade. Inspired by the Ocean, I studied marine biology followed by a Master’s on management and conservation of natural resources. The focus of this masters studies was in ecotourism standards, and later I had the incredible opportunity to apply my experience on a novel ecotourism project in Principe Island. As a nature lover and passionate explorer I have reached dozens of countries and combining my academic background, life experience and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge I’ve became an expedition naturalist. Collaborating with companies such as Zegrahm Expeditions, Lindblad National Geographic and Smithsonian Journeys. Exploring the world, sharing knowledge, finding the most creative ways to communicate science while contributing to Ocean Literacy has been my dedication.
Contact: madalenapatacho@gmail.com
The purpose of this magazine is to illustrate a curriculum vitae, to tell a story about how a series of life events and work experiences have led me to connect ocean conservation, traveling and a fascination for communication. And specially how some research topics come to shine when mixing these experiences.
Ocean Literacy 5 Ecotourism 7 To be a Naturalist 9 Expedition Traveling 11 Science Communication 17 Combining paths 19 The future 20
Ocean Literacy
In 2008 I started collaborating as a Marine Educator with th educational department of OceanĂĄrio de Lisboa and later wi the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Interpretatio
n
Inspiration
Our mission is to encourage people to learn more about the oceans and make all citizens aware of the importance to conserve their natural heritage, by changing their behaviour. To look at the planet's sustainability from the ocean’s point of view*1.
Foster
Ocean literacy is defined as an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you, and your influence on the ocean*2.
the ith
ring active enga gement.
Ecotourism
After finishing my Master’s specialisation in Ecotourism, in 2012 I had the privilege to move to Principe Island, on the West Coast of Africa. And work on a top of the line Responsible Tourism project along side local communities.
Following the principles of ecotourism, working on minimi
the tourism impacts, while building environmental and cult
awareness and respect. Fostering a positive experience for b visitors and local communities.*4
ising
tural
both
Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education*3.
In ecotourism Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests*4.
Becoming an Expedition Naturalist
Exploring the world, traveling and photography have always been my passions. Joining personal travel experience, marine biology knowledge and presentations enthusiasm I became an expedition naturalist. Accompanying expeditions, sharing knowledge and passion for the regions we explore and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
To be a Naturalist is‌
To deliver memorable interpretative experiences to travellers that help raise sensitivity to host communities political, environmental, and social climates *5;
To be a steward of the voyage narrative;
ghtful i s n i e d i v To pro co; o l n i y r a t commen
To be committed to preserving wildlife and nature, while fostering an appreciation of the people and cultures we encounter throughout the world*6;
explore. u o y s ie h p a r e geog h t t u o b a e t a To be passion
Expedition travelling is about‌
In 2014 I joined Lindblad Expedition as a naturalist, today I collaborate with Zegrahm Expedition and Smithso Journeys. Iv’e been very privilege to explore many destina from the Arctic to Antartica always looking for innovative w to communicate science.
also onian ation ways
a mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it *6;
creating an ecological conscience *7;
Enjoying a memorable, immersive, and transformative experiences*5;
Increasing global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research*5.
Bringing the world’s cul sciences alive, increasing knowledge. Unlocking k awareness to better und
ltures and natural g and diffusing knowledge and cultural derstand the world. *8
Communication enthusiast
As a naturalist giving engaging presentations that weave the expedition into a cohesive narrative is a prime goal. Always looking for the most innovative ways to share information, and contribute to deeper knowledge. Developing activities focused on fostering interaction between scientists and travellers; creating programs and experiences that allow the audience to see deeper into the marine environments surrounding them is part of our daily program. Acting as a link and participating with citizen science projects such as Happy whale, Biodiversity for all, among many otter initiatives, it’s always a success within travellers.
In many ways we promote public engagement as an aspect of learning, and as part of participatory democracy, including public participation in scientific research, or citizen science.
“Few if any assessments seek to understand the interaction between the different kinds of engagement�*9. Therefore interesting innovative studies can be applied to the expedition world.
Combining paths
Ocean Literacy is a way not only to increase the awareness of the public about the ocean, but it is an approach to encourage all citizens and stakeholders to have a more responsible and informed behaviour towards the ocean.*2
Expedition travelling gathers a capite audience seeking knowledge and promotes various actions for Ocean literacy. Therefor, fascinating points of research emerge from this connection.
Science Communication “Given the importance of institutional engagement for the day-to-day work of many organizations, this type of engagement needs further research.�*9 For instance, making sense of public understanding of science, with case studies of interactions of travellers with public knowledge of and attitudes towards science.
The perfect timing Scientific understanding of the ocean’s responses to pressures and management action is fundamental for sustainable development.
The marine realm is the largest component of the Earth’s system that stabilise climate and support life on Earth and human well-being. However, the First World Ocean Assessment released in 2016 found that much of the ocean is now seriously degraded, with changes and losses in the structure, function and benefits from marine systems*11.
Currently, there is a growing global ocean movement connecting ocean science and education for sustainable development*12.
Adaptation strategies and scienceinformed policy responses to global change are urgently needed.
United Nations has proclaimed the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)
The Ocean is the defining
Let’s contribute to an Ocean Literate World
feature of our planet,
for a more sustainable.
References and useful links
*1
https://www.oceanoazulfoundation.org/who-we-are/the-foundation/ www.oceanario.pt
*2
https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org
*3
(TIES, 2015) https://ecotourism.org
*4
https://ecotourism.org/news/ties-announces-ecotourism-principles-revision/
*5
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/why-choose-nat-geo
*6
https://www.zegrahm.com
*7
https://world.expeditions.com/why-us/the-expedition-experience/
*8
https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/about-us/smithsonian-difference/
*9
https://www.informalscience.org/news-views/public-engagement
*12 https://www.eurocean.org/np4/517.html *11 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000260721
We shall raise the awareness on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our ocean and build an improved public knowledge base*2 across travellers regarding our Ocean.
Photography By Š Madalena Patacho
Copyright Š 2020 Madalena Patacho, all rights reserved.
Photography References
-
Cover: Aldabra atol Seycheles 2020;
-
Intro: tropical Island Indian Ocean 2020;
-
Index: Rio Mira, Portugal 2007;
-
Page 5: Background - Green Turtle in Belize 2013; Working as marine educator out reach projects, in-house lectures and work-shops (2008-10);
-
Page 7: Background Praia Banana, Principe Island 2012; Smaller photos: supporting local community from Principe Island 2012;
-
Page 9: South Georgia Gold harbour 2020;
-
Page 11: Background: gentoo penguin Niko harbour 2019; Exploring tropical forest Principe 2013, Auto de Floripes street theatre Principe Island 2012; Watching walrus in Svalbard Island 2016; Orcas carousel feeding in Surtsey Island Iceland 2017;
-
Page 13: Left side Adelie penguins in Antartica 2020; Right side: Polar bear sing Svalbard 2017, Hering museum musical group Iceland 2016, Hiking in the Arctic on a Svalbard expedition 2015;
-
Page: 15 Left side: zodiac cruising in Svalbard 2015; hiking tierra del fuego 2019, Nat. Geo. Orion on ice 2018 Arctic expedition; Geyser eruption Iceland 2017; Icelandic horses and atlantic puffin 2016; Continental landing in Antartica 2020;
-
Page 17: Continental landing Antarctic 2019;
-
Page 19: Polar bears mother and cubs Canadian High arctic 2015;
-
Page 21: Exploring Indian ocean remote islands 2020;
-
Page 23: Polar bear cubs 2015 Greenland Arctic;
-
Page 25: Svalbard 2016;
Our Ocean our world Madalena Patacho Magazine
Exploring the world, communicating science and contributing for Ocean knowledge. Contacts: Email: madalenapatacho@gmail.com