Written by Sharing Maldivian fishers’ wisdom, reflections on the role of storytelling in ocean conservation, and SeaVoice, an innovative platform dedicated to elevating coastal voices worldwide.
The sea has long fascinated humanity. Stories of the sea have been told throughout human history and passed down through generations. Older stories, of a different kind, are held in fossils and constituted in sediment. Stories and the communication of knowledge make up the fabric of our existence. But how can we harness this storytelling power to shape our future?
The threats facing our marine environment have gained global attention as countries are striving to achieve the 30×30 goal—protecting 30% of the natural world by 2030. However, to designate, manage and protect our marine areas effectively, we need to understand the whole picture. Traditional Western science alone isn’t enough; we must also understand the social and cultural dimensions shaping human interactions with the marine environment.
Local ecological knowledge encompasses the wealth of experience local communities have gained through observations and interactions with their natural surroundings over time. This knowledge can help us understand the natural world whilst also opening avenues for meaningful interaction with communities whose lives are shaped by the sea. Through this, we can develop sustainable solutions that benefit both ecosystems and communities… Read more