Ocean Acidification: The Roles of NGOs Jeffrey W. Short, Ph.D. Pacific Science Director

Ocean Acidification: The Roles of NGOs Jeffrey W. Short, Ph.D. Pacific Science Director Presented to the Ocean Research & Resources Advisory Panel Washington DC March 16, 2010

The Challenge: Fostering Collaboration among Agencies, Foundations and NGOs Structural Relationships NGO Capabilities Examples Motivations Impediments to collaboration Recommendations

Government Agencies & Academics (Knowledge) Policy Change NGOs (Outreach/ Advocacy)

Government Agencies & Academics (Knowledge) Policy Change Foundations ($$) NGOs (Outreach/ Advocacy)

SCIENCE Policy Change: International Treaties, National Laws, Effective Enforcement LAW PUBLIC

NGO Capabilities Science: Synthesize and translate for public consumption (reports, films, other media) Publicize and disseminate scientific findings Make funding recommendations to support science Sponsor targeted studies and reviews Organize & host scientific symposia Facilitate information exchange among agencies

NGO Capabilities Law: File lawsuits Lobby for (or against) legislative change Petition executive agencies

NGO Capabilities Public: Arrange media events, public presentations, op-eds Conduct polls Network websites, newsletters, social media Produce, publicize and promote issue-oriented films Build coalitions Co-ordinate internationally Promote agency science Defend science from partisan attacks

NGOs Active on Ocean Acidification Alaska Marine Conservation Council Communication Partnership for Science & the Sea Conservation International Greenpeace Marine Conservation Biology Institute Natural Resources Defense Council The Nature Conservancy Oceana Sustainable Fisheries Partnership

Healthy Oceans ~ Healthy Communities

AMCC s MISSION To protect the natural diversity and integrity of Alaska s marine ecosystems by working with coastal communities whose wellbeing depends on healthy oceans. NOAA

1) Use our strong personal networks among fisheries leaders, scientists, media; 2) Prioritize corporate, conservative voices to reach resistant policy makers. 3) Provide scientific and policy guidance; 4) Encourage industry leaders to form their own conclusions, solutions; 5) Help them engage peers, suppliers, customers; 6) Provide opportunities to reach key policy makers (e.g. Capitol Hill briefings & meetings, media interviews, etc); 7) Stimulate coverage, esp. in industry media; 8) Identify and share best practices for carbon and energy; 9) Partner with industry, NGO and government groups to expand outreach and widen coalition to confront acidification. 10) Simplify communication of impacts.

Fisheries leaders advocate or directly implement improvements in carbon policy and practice: Advocate policies to reduce emissions economy-wide; Promote research to monitor and document impacts of acidification strengthening the case for policy action and enabling temporary adaptation. Embrace practices that reduce the industry s emissions primarily because walking the talk makes them stronger advocates.

NGO Motivations NGO Funding: Grass roots donations (e.g. AMCC) Corporate Donors (e.g. TNC) Foundation Support (e.g. Oceana) Regardless of funding sources, All NGOs MUST show they make a difference

Impediments to NGO Collaboration Different charters, cultures, assets and funding sources Competition for recognition Increasing specialization

Moving Forward, 2 Principles: Principle 1: Keep Messages Simple We need to reduce CO 2 emissions We need to keep track of changes in the oceans

Moving Forward, 2 Principles: Principle 1: Keep Messages Simple We need to reduce CO 2 emissions We need to keep track of changes in the oceans Principle 2: Foundation role is key Best situated to encourage collaboration

Government Agencies & Academics (Knowledge) Policy Change Foundations ($$) NGOs (Outreach/ Advocacy)

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