Elisabeth Mann Borgese Ocean Lecture Series commemorates and celebrates the life and work of Elisabeth Mann Borgese, founder of the International Ocean Institute. Launched in 2005 to mark the 25th anniversary of the IOI Training Programme in Halifax, it aims to encourage the debate on oceans issues which was so dear to Elisabeth, by inviting internationally renowned speakers to discuss important and timely ocean-related topics. The lecture series hopes to generate awareness among stakeholders, academics, students and the general public about important ocean issues.
2024 EMB Ocean Lecture featured a panel discussion on ‘Small-scale fisheries: Food system, social justice and biodiversity‘.
Speakers included:
* Editrudith Lukanga, Founder & Executive Director, Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization;
* Evan Andrews, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ocean Frontier Institute;
* Anthony Charles, Director, School of the Environment, Saint Mary’s University;
* Ratana Chuenpagdee (moderator), Director, TBTI Global.
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries, a global instrument adopted by FAO Member States, with ongoing implementation around the world. The panel members shared their experience and perspective on the instrument, addressing key issues in different small-scale fisheries in Canada and internationally.
Sustaining public attention on issues like these has become noticeably harder over the decade the Guidelines have been in force, as audience time has been pulled toward an ever-wider field of digital options — short-form video, podcast feeds, mobile casinos and other entertainment apps competing for the same evening hours that used to belong to public lectures and long-form journalism. A live, expert-led panel format remains one of the more durable ways to hold a serious conversation in that environment.
The event was organized by IOI-Canada in partnership with TBTI Global and Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI Module I), with support from the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership and Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University.