Rethinking Capacity Support for Ocean Conservation in Island Communities

I wrote this piece in 2019 (never shared it), but it’s still very relevant to our ocean today. Even if you don’t live near the ocean, supporting the health of our planet and global food security probably matters to all of us; especially since every other breath we take comes from the ocean, and everyone wants to enjoy clean, vibrant seas on holiday! I sure do. I could share lots of images of sea life, which I think I will, but I also want to give you a unique glimpse into life beyond the reefs.

Photo credit: Jason Willett, Montserrat Marine Megafauna Project. An expedition I led to help build baseline data on sharks around Montserrat - 2023/4

Little Bay, Montserrat (2019) - Over the past five years working in ocean conservation on Montserrat, I have come to recognize an urgent need to reevaluate how capacity support is structured in small island communities. While the goal of capacity building is often to empower local individuals and organizations, the prevailing model frequently imposes additional burdens rather than fostering sustainable benefits.

Key Issues:

1. Funding still not reaching those who need it most:

As far as I can see, the current biodiversity funding landscape allocates ~ 70% of its resources to foreign researchers and consultants rather than the individuals and orgs doing the heavy work on the ground . This approach neglects the invaluable insights and potential of local stakeholders, perpetuating a cycle where community voices are marginalized rather than empowered.

2. Parachute Science:

The issue of "parachute scientists"—those who swoop in for short-term data collection without investing in local capacity—exacerbates the problem. These scientists often leave behind little more than data, extracting valuable resources and stories without meaningful impact within the communities they study.

3. Underestimation of Local NGOs:

Statements suggesting that $100,000 is too much for small local NGOs to manage reveal a disconnect with the realities of local impact. For organizations like Fish ‘N Fins, this funding could sustain multiple jobs, provide living wages, and nurture a new generation of ocean advocates. We must focus on the positive potential of such investments rather than their perceived limitations.

4. Need for Sustainable Support:

Grassroots organizations often prioritize training, network building, and mentorship over direct funding. By fostering genuine partnerships and investing in local talent, we can create a sustainable model for ocean conservation that uplifts entire communities.

5. Community Engagement and Trust:

The absence of shared characteristics, language, and experiences necessary for providing unique perspective and understanding of some of the challenges we face, leads to a disconnect between scientific research and its practical applications. True collaboration requires not just data sharing but also proper representation of lived experiences.

Recommendations:

1.Re-evaluate Funding Criteria:

Funders should reassess their biodiversity funding criteria, ensuring that a greater portion supports local initiatives and capacity strengthening between islands.

2. Promote Local Leadership:

Encourage and support local organizations to take the helm in ocean conservation efforts, recognizing their intimate understanding of local contexts and challenges.

3. Foster Genuine Partnerships:

Scientists and NGOs must prioritize building trust and respect with local communities through meaningful engagement and co-creation of conservation strategies that align with community needs.

4. Advocate for People-Centered Research:

Government officials should champion a people-centered approach, ensuring that research initiatives directly benefit local communities and align with their long-term and holistic conservation goals.

5. Hold International Agencies Accountable:

Politicians should advocate for stringent conditions on funding and international collaborations that prioritize the interests and leadership of local citizens and demand tangible outcomes from international agencies.

To effectively protect our oceans, we must shift the paradigm of capacity support in small island communities. By recognizing and harnessing the potential of local voices, we can develop a more equitable, effective, and sustainable approach to ocean conservation. Now is the time to invest in our communities—not just for their sake but for the health of our planet.

Until next time,

Veta <3