Defensores del Océano: Protectores del ambiente marino y de los derechos humanos
Este informe está dedicado a las y los defensores del océano en todo el mundo que se organizan, abogan y protestan por la protección del medio marino, de sus territorios y recursos, y de sus derechos humanos. Esperamos que contribuya a ampliar el conocimiento sobre su labor, a generar una mayor atención y a fortalecer el apoyo hacia quienes defienden el océano.
Ocean governance and the protection of ocean defenders
This book chapter outlines a research agenda that emphasizes the need for co-developed, ethical research to better understand governance gaps, human rights violations, and the role of civil society.
Ocean Defenders: Protectors of Our Ocean Environment and Human Rights
Check the recording of our second webinar on Ocean Defenders. Here we present the main insights of the report we published, together with key reflections from ocean defenders and human rights experts.
Legal Guide for the Defense of Ecosystems and Species of the Peruvian Sea
Empowering citizens to protect the Peruvian Sea: This guide provides tools and recommendations to defend Peruvian marine ecosystems and species, report threats, and promote accountability for sustainable management of marine resources.
International Tribunal on the Impact of Blue Economy in Indian Ocean Countries
This text contains the verdicts from the six tribunal sessions held by the International Independent Tribunal (August 2020 – February 2021), which examined how various coastal fishing communities perceive the Blue Economy framework.
Resilience Amidst Turmoil: The Ongoing Struggles of Chilika Lagoon’s Small-Scale Fishers Against Aquaculture and Sea Mouth Opening
The Chilika Lagoon, located in eastern India, is a 1100 km² brackish water ecosystem that hosts a stunning array of ecosystems and species and is a vital resource for small-scale fishing communities. However, it faces disruption from shrimp aquaculture and an opening of the lagoon to the sea. These disruptions are directly affecting environmental dynamics, altering access rights, and impacting small-scale fishers.
Guardians of Moheshkhali: Defending Traditional Ways of Living by the Sea Against Unsustainable Blue Growth
Launched in 2015, the Matarbari Mega Project seeks to transform Moheshkhali Island into an economic hub, including a coal power plant and port facilities. Despite promises of modernization, the project has caused environmental harm and displaced 20,000 locals, impacting livelihoods and cultural identity. Since 2018, local ocean defenders have protested, resulting in successes like the cancellation of certain coal plants. Yet, the struggle to preserve heritage and environment against industrial expansion persists. This highlights the crucial role of community involvement in development decisions and the ongoing need for a sustainable and culturally sensitive approach to economic growth.
Fishers’ struggles during and after the 2019 Southwest Atlantic oil spill
Brazilian coastal small-scale fishing communities were hit by a large and ongoing oil spill from an unknown source between August 2019 and June 2020. Fishers were left without proper government assistance, so together with volunteers they mobilized to try to clean coastal environments themselves. Though the oil spill was an ecological and socioeconomic disaster that affected fisheries and tourism, it was never properly addressed or even fully investigated.
Seeking Blue Justice through the “Popular Court of the Sea Economy” in Brazil
In Brazil, a “Popular Court of the Sea Economy” was established in 2022 as an act of resistance against historical and on-going socio-environmental harms caused by Ocean Economy sectors. Led by a nationwide movement of fisherfolk ocean defenders, it aims to defend traditional fishing communities’ rights, fight environmental racism, and preserve traditional ways of life. Despite challenges, the movement has gained political influence and achieved successes, including involvement in the Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries as of 2023 after federal presidential elections, while fighting for policy changes and environmental protection.
One Ocean Hub
The One Ocean Hub works to transform global ocean governance and research by promoting more integrated and inclusive approaches.
