Advancing Social Equity in and Through Marine Conservation

Nathan Bennett ,Laure Katz,Daniel Wagner,Asha De Vos,Ana K Spalding,Leah Meth,Mael Imirizaldu,Juno Fitzpatrick,Aulani Wilhelm,Natalie C Ban,Sangeeta Mangubhai,Scott Atkinson,Whitney Yadao-Evans,David Obura,David Gill,Gabby N Ahmadia,Angelo Villagomez,Nai‘a Lewis ,Ella Kari Muhl ,Neil Dawson ,Alan T White

doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.711538

Abstract

Substantial efforts and investments are being made to increase the scale and improve the effectiveness of marine conservation globally. Though it is mandated by international law and central to conservation policy, less attention has been given to how to operationalize social equity in and through the pursuit of marine conservation. In this article, we aim to bring greater attention to this topic through reviewing how social equity can be better integrated in marine conservation policy and practice. Advancing social equity in marine conservation requires directing attention to: recognition through acknowledgment and respect for diverse peoples and perspectives; fair distribution of impacts through maximizing benefits and minimizing burdens; procedures through fostering participation in decision-making and good governance; management through championing and supporting local involvement and leadership; the environment through ensuring the efficacy of conservation actions and adequacy of management to ensure benefits to nature and people; and the structural barriers to and institutional roots of inequity in conservation. We then discuss the role of various conservation organizations in advancing social equity in marine conservation and identify the capacities these organizations need to build. We urge the marine conservation community, including governments, non-governmental organizations and donors, to commit to the pursuit of socially equitable conservation.

Highlights

Considering social equity in conservation efforts is essential for both ethical and instrumental reasons
What is each of their roles? Global conservation policy organizations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), must ensure policy frameworks clearly mandate consideration of social equity and are complemented with guidance for governments and other organizations on how to implement equitable marine conservation initiatives at all scales
Adequate financial resources will be needed from governments to support the implementation of inclusive decision-making, good governance, and Indigenous-led marine conservation initiatives

Summary

Introduction

Considering social equity in conservation efforts is essential for both ethical and instrumental reasons. The result too often was poorly designed conservation initiatives that were planned and implemented in a topdown manner, that inadequately considered local perspectives and needs, and that separated Indigenous Peoples and local communities from resources and territories that they depend on for culture and survival (Dowie, 2009; Stevens, 2014; Griffin et al, 2019; Muhl and Sowman, 2020) Such conservation approaches often produced a number of negative social consequences – including displacement, violence, disempowerment, human rights abuses, widening of economic inequities, and increased poverty (Brockington and Igoe, 2006; West and Brockington, 2006; West et al, 2006; Agrawal and Redford, 2009; Oldekop et al, 2015). Long-term sustainability and effectiveness can be increased through creating strong local partnerships, integrating traditional knowledge and local management practices, recognizing and championing local leadership, and protecting Indigenous rights and tenure (Garnett et al, 2018; Burt et al, 2020)

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion