Engaging the Business Community

Despite the enormous economic role of the maritime sector in global commerce (shipping, offshore energy, fishing, mining, etc.), ocean planning processes are often dominated by government agencies, NGOs, and academics. This failure to engage business effectively is due to various reasons - some the fault of planners, others the fault of business itself. That being said, constructive engagement of industry in marine planning processes - and the support of ocean businesses for the eventual results - increases the likelihood of marine spatial plans being implemented and achieving widespread compliance. This primer provides an outline of the issues involved, and guidance for building trust and engagement.

MEAM articles

• Getting business on board: Engaging the business community in ocean planning

• Tundi’s Take: Ocean planners, want to engage business? Start walking the walk and talking the talk

• Tundi’s Take: Can the private sector rescue the oceans?

• Tundi’s Take: We need investments in ocean management, not just welfare

• “You're either at the table or you're on the table”: Charles Ehler on the importance of participating in MSP processes

• Offshore Energy: The Challenge of Planning and Managing It in an Ecosystem-Based Way

• EBM Perspective: Marine Spatial Planning and Ocean Industries

"Office Hour" Chat

• Office Hour on Industry Leadership and Collaboration in Ocean Science, Stewardship and Sustainability, with Paul Holthus

Literature

• Report of the Aspen Ocean Community Strategy Roundtable

• Insights on Industry Engagement from Marine Recreational Use Studies in the Northeast U.S.

• West Coast Regional Planning Body Communications and Engagement Plan

• The Shipping Industry and Marine Spatial Planning - A Professional Approach

MPA News articles

• Involvement of the Private Sector in a Community-Based MPA: Case Example from Fiji

• The emerging concept of marine biodiversity offsets and their potential uses with MPAs

• Private-Sector Ownership of MPAs: Cases Illustrate Challenges and Opportunities

Blog

• Integrated Oceans Management (IOM): Bringing together Sectors and Stakeholders, for a healthy Ocean and Sustainable Development

News

• Big fish, big money: the business case for conservation in Australia's marine parks