{"id":17439,"date":"2020-08-19T11:43:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T15:43:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/?page_id=17439"},"modified":"2023-11-01T09:31:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T13:31:14","slug":"august-2020-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/uci\/newsletters\/august-2020-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"August 2020 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Banner<\/div>\n
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Newsletter<\/h1>\n

August 2020<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>From Our Director<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Reset: Fostering Marine Justice and a Truly Sustainable Blue Ocean Economy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Dramatic<\/p>\n

We are all witnessing rapid environmental improvements linked to the cessation of economic offshore and coastal activity, reminding us of the significant impact of how we choose to live and the interconnectedness of our society and the environment. At the same time, people are facing the pandemic, widespread unemployment, and calls for greater equity and racial justice. While these issues appear to be far removed from UCI\u2019s day-to-day work, we recognize that environmental justice and communities of color bear a disproportionate share of the burden of marine pollution, coastal storms and sea level rise, as well as uneven access to and distribution of benefits from the ocean. We have been reminded that in order to support an ocean that will thrive and benefit future generations, we need to step back, broaden our lens, and design more ambitious and inclusive solutions.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/p>\n

In 2017, the UCI hosted a Mid-Atlantic Blue Ocean Economy 2030<\/a> symposium, where we sought to develop a road map for a truly sustainable blue ocean economy. The importance of imagining a future that is just, as well as sustainable, is more urgent than ever. A return to business as usual will not be sufficient to meet the challenges we face. There is an opportunity to go beyond a short-term response and recovery to resetting systems for the long term that fully recognize the links between ocean ecosystems, economies and societies. As part of that reset, consideration of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice both reflects the UCI\u2019s core values and provides guideposts for informing community recovery, social responsibility and marine conservation options.<\/p>\n

Recognizing these interconnections, there is an emerging concept of ocean or marine justice, where social equity, marine science and conservation intersect. It calls for consideration and study of the human dimension, as well as natural systems. In New Jersey, our connections with the sea and shore are tied intimately with our history, community well-being and a strong sense of place. How can we take that into account as we consider plans for economic recovery? How can we incorporate these broad perspectives and consideration of fair distribution of benefits with particular attention to the most vulnerable?<\/p>\n

The UCI and academia have a special responsibility to step up to try to break down the barriers across areas of study and to work with diverse communities to answer these questions. Marine and ocean studies programs present particular challenges for increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice and belonging. There is a lack of diversity in ocean science programs, leadership and faculty. Training may occur at small coastal field stations embedded in communities that are not very diverse or socially integrated.<\/p>\n

I am fortunate to be working with colleagues at Monmouth and on the National Academy of Sciences Ocean Studies Board, where we are discussing these issues and considering what it would look like for ocean studies to be diverse, equitable, inclusive, just, and foster a sense of belonging. At the UCI, we put out a special call to fund grants<\/a> this year to support faculty and student research and community-based projects focused on bold ideas for sustainably rebuilding communities and economies while addressing disproportionate needs of our most vulnerable populations. There is much to be gained by building a more diverse and inclusive community that joins together collectively as a steward of the ocean and shares in its bounty.<\/p>\n

Tony MacDonald<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Urban Coast Institute Director<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>UCI Marine Scientist Assists with Humpback Whale Rescue<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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