Empowering Indigenous and Local Voices for Ocean Stewardship: A Call for Inclusive Ocean Governance

Author: Alumita Sekinairai

At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11–22, 2024, a groundbreaking discussion took place on the vital issue of “Balancing deep-ocean biodiversity, carbon storage, resources, and resilience in the search for climate solutions” at the Ocean Pavillion. One of the most significant contributions to this dialogue came from Alumita Sekinairai, a key panelist representing the Ocean Voices Program at the University of Edinburgh. Sekinairai shared insights from a project that aims to bridge a critical gap in global ocean governance: the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in decision-making processes, particularly within the framework of the BBNJ (Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) Treaty.

A Groundbreaking Project for Ocean Stewardship

Sekinairai's presentation, titled "Weaving Indigenous and Local Voices for Ocean Stewardship", highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring IPLCs to the forefront of marine biodiversity governance. The project, which arises from the Ocean Voices Program, is driven by a clear goal: to strengthen the participation of Indigenous and Local Communities in the global governance of marine biodiversity, especially in areas beyond national jurisdictions.

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the deep ocean has emerged as a critical part of the solution. It is home to some of the planet’s most unique biodiversity and plays a significant role in carbon storage. Yet, despite its importance, discussions on deep-ocean governance often overlook the traditional knowledge and practices of IPLCs, who have been the stewards of these ecosystems for centuries. The Weaving Indigenous and Local Voices for Ocean Stewardship project seeks to address this imbalance by exploring ways to integrate IPLC knowledge into the negotiations and implementation of the BBNJ Treaty.

Lessons from Existing International Frameworks

A key focus of the project is learning from existing international frameworks that have successfully integrated IPLC perspectives. Sekinairai cited examples like the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform established under the UNFCCC in 2017. This platform has created a space for Indigenous and local communities to share their knowledge, exchange best practices, and contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Similarly, bodies like the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) provide valuable insights on ensuring that IPLC rights and knowledge are respected in global biodiversity governance.

These frameworks offer important lessons for the BBNJ Treaty, particularly in terms of creating space for IPLCs in policy discussions and decision-making. Drawing on these examples, the project aims to create actionable recommendations that can facilitate meaningful IPLC involvement in the BBNJ Treaty process, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable governance structure for the ocean.

Project Goals and Methodologies

The project is grounded in a clear set of objectives:

1. Assessing IPLC Participation: The first goal is to evaluate the current level of IPLC participation in marine biodiversity governance, identifying both the challenges they face and the strategies that have proven successful in other international processes.
2. Creating Actionable Recommendations: Based on this assessment, the project seeks to develop concrete recommendations for enhancing IPLC involvement in the BBNJ Treaty, including ensuring that traditional knowledge is incorporated into area-based management tools like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
3. Building a Network of Advocates: The project also aims to build a robust network of IPLCs and advocates to amplify IPLC voices in BBNJ discussions, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and respected at the global level.
4. Exploring Traditional Knowledge: A critical part of the project is to deepen understanding of the traditional and cultural knowledge that IPLCs hold about the ocean, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By doing so, the project aims to integrate this knowledge into decision-making processes, ensuring that cultural values and ecological insights inform the design of management strategies.

One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the creation of a Deep Ocean Story Map, a GIS-based platform designed to document and share IPLC knowledge about the deep ocean. This online tool will allow IPLCs to retain full ownership of their narratives and cultural heritage, presenting their traditional knowledge in a georeferenced format that can inform deep-ocean management strategies. This sensitive resource will be pivotal in filling data gaps on biodiversity and ecosystem interactions that are essential for resilient ocean governance.

Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Vision

This project aims to achieve several key outcomes:

1. Enhanced IPLC Representation: By improving IPLC participation in marine biodiversity governance, the project will empower communities to engage effectively in BBNJ negotiations and policy discussions.
2. Identification of Best Practices: The project will document successful strategies and policies for IPLC inclusion in international treaties, producing tailored recommendations that can directly influence the BBNJ Treaty.
3. Strengthening Partnerships: The initiative seeks to foster stronger collaborations between IPLCs, governments, and international organizations, creating a more inclusive and sustainable framework for ocean governance.

Ultimately, the long-term goal is to create a governance framework for the ocean that balances biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, resource management, and resilience—while honoring and integrating the wisdom of Indigenous and Local Communities. This vision is crucial not only for securing biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions but also for strengthening our collective capacity to tackle climate challenges. As Sekinairai emphasized, IPLC knowledge, developed over centuries, offers invaluable adaptive strategies that are particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing climate.

This project and its outcomes have been made possible with the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Arcadia Fund. Their commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable ocean governance is paving the way for a more equitable and resilient future for our oceans.

A Call for Collaboration

Sekinairai’s presentation at COP 29 was a powerful reminder that achieving a sustainable and resilient ocean future requires a broad, inclusive approach. Integrating the voices of Indigenous and Local Communities into the BBNJ Treaty and other international governance frameworks is essential for developing policies that are not only scientifically informed but also culturally respectful and inclusive.

The project invites collaboration and support from all stakeholders, governments, international organizations, researchers, and civil society to build a framework where both traditional and scientific knowledge can work hand-in-hand to steward our oceans for future generations.

As we move forward in our efforts to protect and sustain ocean ecosystems, let us remember that the knowledge and practices of Indigenous and Local Communities are indispensable in crafting effective, resilient solutions to the global challenges we face.

Vinaka Vakalevu! (Thank you very much!)

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