On Friday 13 June, 12:15-13:30 CEST, Room 5 UNOC-3 Blue Zone at the UNOC-3 in Nice, Prof. Lynne Shannon, in her capacity as Co-Chair of the International Science Council (ISC)’s Expert Ocean Group, also represented MISSION ATLANTIC at a powerful UNOC3 side event co-led by the ISC: "Bridging Science, Policy, and Action: Enhancing Cross-sectoral Collaboration for Inclusive and Equitable Ocean Management and Governance."
Joined by Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf and Dr. Peter Haugan, Lynne helped spotlight how cross-sector collaboration and co-produced knowledge can shape more inclusive, just, and effective ocean governance — drawing insights from the ISC’s Ocean Policy Brief.
As Lynne reminded us, 60% of global marine ecosystems have already been degraded or unsustainably used.
A fundamental shift is needed — one toward transdisciplinary, inclusive research that uplifts marginalized voices, embraces Indigenous knowledge systems, and acknowledges the rights of nature. Reflecting on her experience at the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, and UNOC-3, Lynne emphasized the critical importance of:
- Cross-disciplinarity: integrating natural sciences, law, business, politics, social sciences, and the arts
- Cross-sectoral work: engaging sectors like fishing, shipping, mining, tourism, and conservation
- Cross-cultural understanding: drawing from diverse countries, communities, knowledge systems, and values
From ecosystem-based management reform to business-tech partnerships and arts-science collaborations, UNOC-3 showcased bold innovations. Yet, Lynne notes a gap: while sectoral issues were well-covered, interactions across these sectors need deeper exploration — which she suggests as a potential focus for UNOC-4. - "There are very exciting opportunities ahead — if we unite across disciplines, sectors, and cultures, and truly act for the Ocean’s right not only to exist, but to thrive." Prof. Lynne Shannon.
