Deep connections of the deep sea: Mapping stories, knowledge and cultural heritage of the ocean
The Challenge
Humans and the ocean are inextricably linked. Values, culture, storytelling and knowledge passed on for generations: they all play an important role in how people perceive the ocean, not only as a resource, but as a foundation for the human experience and our existence. Mapping out these stories of cultural heritage is imperative to how we manage and protect our common ocean.
Many international agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement (Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) and the International Seabed Authority, among others, recognize the need to include cultural factors into their decision-making. At the present time, intangible cultural heritage, including Indigenous, traditional and local knowledge related to the deep sea is not well understood by decision-makers. The Deep Ocean Knowledge Map aims to make cultural knowledge more concrete, accepted and applicable in management of the deep and open ocean.
The Project
The Deep Ocean Knowledge Map is a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh Ocean Voices Programme and GRID-Arendal. It is part of a project supported by Ocean Voices titled Weaving Indigenous Voices for Ocean Stewardship. The project is funded by Bloomberg Ocean Fund, Oceans 5, CEA Consulting and the Packard Foundation. GRID-Arendal will co-develope the Deep Ocean Knowledge Map, mapping, showcasing and co-producing stories, knowledge and cultural heritage related to the deep sea, we portray how historically and traditionally, humans are inextricably linked to the high seas.
Our Transformative Approach
Storytelling is universal for all human cultures and a powerful medium for conveying messages and inspiring change. Stories can also bridge the gap between science, policy and lived reality, and can connect with audiences more effectively than facts and figures. Currently many policy processes, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Biodiversity Framework, call for transformative change in how we relate to, and use, nature. This is exemplified in the mission of the UN Decade of Ocean Science which calls for “transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean”, and its Challenge 10 which aims to “change humanity’s relationship with the ocean”.
This pilot project explores intangible cultural heritage and values related to the deep and open ocean through the mapping and co-producing diverse stories. Through identifying ocean areas that are important for culture, knowledge, practices and sacrosanctity, the project seeks to inform relevant policy processes in their approaches to area-based management and environmental impact assessments (EIAs), while ultimately providing a new narrative of interconnectedness between humans and the ocean. A Draft Code of Conduct is being co-developed together with storytellers and Indigenous experts to ensure that ownership of stories and decisions about how, for what purpose, and with whom stories are shared stays with the communities themselves. Some stories may not be shared publicly, or can only shared with restrictions. Other may be accessible to everyone.
Why It Matters
The sustainable management of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) requires the meaningful involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and recognition of their knowledge systems. Cultural knowledge, including traditional knowledge, related to the deep sea is still relatively unknown, but will be urgently needed for implementing international policy, particularly the BBNJ Agreement. Through better understanding of intangible cultural heritage related to the deep sea, we enable better planning, management and implementation for protecting our deep and open ocean. Cultural knowledge, practices, and considerations should influence what ocean areas are protected, how ocean areas are managed, and when and how environmental impact assessments should be undertaken to evaluate the impacts of potentially harmful activities.
Tags:
marine
arts
traditional knowledge
BBNJ
