About – The Ocean Defenders Project

About The Project

The Ocean Defenders Project is a collaborative initiative that aims to increase understanding of, raise the profile of, and bring greater support to ocean defenders worldwide. This section of the website provides information about the aims, activities and outputs of The Ocean Defenders Project, as well as project the collaborators, advisory group, and funders and partners who make this work possible.

We document case studies, highlighting the diverse threats, resistance efforts, and challenges faced by ocean communities.

The Ocean Defenders Project is a collaborative initiative that aims to increase understanding of, raise the profile of, and bring greater support to ocean defenders worldwide.

The Ocean Defenders Project will document and garner insights from case studies from around the globe into the diverse threats to, resistance efforts of, and challenges faced by ocean communities. By amplifying the stories and voices of Ocean Defenders, we strive to elevate their visibility and create awareness about their crucial role in protecting marine and coastal environments. This is particularly relevant for Ocean Defenders as they are increasingly being marginalized and criminalized for their efforts, facing threats, violence and even being murdered. Additional research will be conducted to identify networks, allied organizations, additional resources, and actions that can be taken to support ocean defenders.

The Ocean Defenders Project will generate and share a diversity of outputs and resources – including publications, presentations, videos, and this website. Ultimately, the project aims to reach a diverse audience including representatives from civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, governments, funders, academics, and civil society organizations – to inspire more people to fight for and support ocean defenders’ efforts to protect their territories, the environment, and human rights.

Please explore the various sections of this website to learn more about the project and ocean defenders, and share with others in your network.

The Ocean Defenders Project is guided by the following three main objectives

Increasing understanding of ocean defenders through documentation of case studies and research into effective action.

Raising the profile of ocean defenders through strategic communications and presentations at international conferences.

Bringing greater support to ocean defenders through promoting action by allied organizations.

Collaborators

Meet the collaborators on the project, who are conducting research, authoring case studies and garnering insights about ocean defenders in different regions of the world.