Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M00676X/1
Policy Masterclass: Managing risk and uncertainty in the global oceans
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor KD Black, Scottish Association For Marine Science, Contracts Office
- Grant held at:
- Scottish Association For Marine Science, Contracts Office
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Climate & Climate Change
- Spatial Planning
- Environmental policy/regulation
- Ecosystem Scale Processes
- Land - Ocean Interactions
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Abstract:
- Recent statements by political and business leaders reveal high expectations that our seas can provide new or increased supplies of food, minerals, pharmaceuticals and energy in addition to transport, recreation and other ecosystem services. The reality is that although the oceans regulate planetary biogeochemical systems and our climate, and are a huge reservoir of biological diversity, their exploration is far from complete and ocean processes and dynamics are poorly understood. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that marine habitats are becoming degraded on an unprecedented scale, there is a global-scale redistribution of many species and others are unable to adapt to the pace of global change or overexploitation. Management of oceans on any geographical scale requires ability on one hand to communicate risk and uncertainty to policymakers and on the other, to make decisions based on incomplete knowledge. Postgraduates entering the world of public policy are faced with the daunting challenge of understanding the workings of the policy process, providing relevant information and maintaining their credibility as scientists. This requires multidisciplinary skills and understanding that are not normally provided as part of formal education. 'Big picture' systems science for the marine environment integrates natural and social science. In a recent paradigm shift, modern marine policy has adopted the 'ecosystem approach' and 'adaptive management' as a way to tackle uncertainty and mitigate risk. Techniques for valuing ecosystem services (as explored in NERC's Valuing Nature Networks) are another important crossdisciplinary tool to inform policy. The proposed master class will provide an opportunity for students to learn from the practical experience and insights of four internationally recognised leaders in policy development and a number of cross-disciplinary scientists currently working at SAMS. Professor Laurence Mee is a systems scientist and former senior UN official who has influenced the development of European and UK marine policy, negotiated international agreements and led two major European research projects in this area. Dr Jake Rice is Chief Scientist at the Department for Fisheries and Oceans in Canada and a highly influential international expert on the Ecosystem Approach. Daniel Owen is a barrister with a science background and is a leading international expert in marine environmental law. Professor Dan Laffoley is Principal Advisor on Marine Science and Conservation, IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme and has held senior public office in Natural England. The SAMS team includes specialists in global change, economic and social valuation and marine spatial planning. The course combines formal lectures, discussion groups and practical exercises including advice on how to engage with policymakers. Topics include: - New perspectives on use, value and conservation of oceans - Status, threats, social and economic risks to the marine environment - The paradigm shift to the 'ecosystem approach' and the science that supports it (with the new EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive as a practical example of implementation) - Developments in marine law at various scales and their relationship with the science evidence base and the Precautionary Principle. - Spatial planning and scenario building (practical session using 'touch table' participatory methods) - Future ocean governance in a world with high levels of uncertainty. - Techniques for communicating risk and uncertainty to policymakers The workshop will also focus on two key areas where the science base is rapidly evolving: (1) Valuation of ecosystem services (social and well as economic) developed in the NERC Valuing Nature Networks programme (VNN) and National Ecosystem Assessment Follow-On (NEAFO), and (2) Impacts of climate change on the ocean as a practical illustration of managing uncertainty and evaluating risk.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M00676X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £42,375
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £42,375 |
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