The World Ocean Observatory (W2O) has launched six new partnership programmes to expand its message of conservation for global maritime resources. Founded 16 years ago with a diverse online platform to communicate the various messages it espouses W2O says the need for action is as urgent as ever. “Advocacy through information and communication is not enough… we can no longer merely observe and educate,” they say.
To this end W2O has hooked up with other organisations to address specific ocean needs and allow more intervention into existing systems of climate action, fisheries management, ocean literacy and education, the Arctic, and expanded communications including film and publications.
“Each of these is envisioned as a major expansion of public engagement; each is intended to be self-financing; and most will be revenue-enhancing over time,” says W2O, which is calling the new project W2.O. “Projects have been chosen that will amplify our voice through practical, dynamic services for a global audience that will result directly in greater understanding, regenerative practices, and viable solutions for the immediate ocean challenges.”
The six projects are:
WORLD OCEAN FORUM
Providing a new platform for ocean solutions, the Forum is highlighting key ocean voices toward an active community of opinion, ideas, and innovation in ocean policy, conservation and exploration worldwide.
LEARN MORE: worldoceanforum.org
UCAPTURE CARBON OFFSETS
Using the power of consumption to offset the consequences of consumption to assist environmental organizations in the sustainability and conservation of international natural resources.
LEARN MORE: ucapture.com/w2o
SEAFOOD COMMONS
Building an open-source, self-governing and financed blockchain technology for the international distribution of seafood product from catch to table at the highest standards of quality, sustainability, transparency, and accountability to conserve and rationalize fishing practices both coastwise and on the high seas.
LEARN MORE: seafoodcommons.org/about
WORLD OCEAN EXPLORER
Educating through a virtual aquarium experience in the context of ocean literacy and open access to marine science and oceanography available to classrooms and curious individuals worldwide at no cost.
LEARN MORE: worldoceanobservatory.org/world-ocean-explorer
ARCTIC FUTURES INSTITUTE
Exploring solutions for the Arctic, particularly through a model relationship between New England and Greenland, in partnership with the University of Maine School of Law and the Climate Change Institute.
LEARN MORE: arcticfuturesinstitute.org
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME FILM FESTIVAL
As major sponsor of this year’s festival which runs at Bucksport in Maine (Sept 27-18), our intent is to package this year’s winners with winners from prior years’ festivals into a national tour for showings by maritime museums, environmental groups, educational institutions, and conservation organizations with interest in maritime affairs.
LEARN MORE: maritimefilmfestival.com
” We are shifting in the wind, taking advantage of the turn of tide, and trust you will be newly inspired to work alongside. The sea connects all things,” says the W2O which aims to connect the ocean community through its communications network: website, social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), World Ocean Radio, World Ocean Journal, publication of books and anthologies, a virtual aquarium, an online magazine and more. To find out more, help with spreading the word or making a donation, visit worldoceanobservatory.org/partner-initiatives