The Human Relationship with Our Ocean Planet

Abstract

People across the world have diverse economic, sociolegal, institutional, social and cultural relationships with the ocean—both its littoral zones and the open sea spaces through which people have traditionally navigated, migrated, fished, traded, played and sought solace, spiritual enlightenment, adventure, material enrichment, social identity, cultural expression, artistic inspiration or good health. These relationships are reflected in formal and informal institutions (polices, laws, social norms) that regulate many of these activities, including those that regulate access to resources. These institutions represent a series of prior claims and rights to the use and enjoyment of the ocean by coastal and maritime societies.

The ebb and flow of the Seaflower marine biosphere reserve: Law entanglements and socio‐environmental justice in the southwestern Caribbean Sea

“…On that account, various international bodies call for expanding and adjusting marine protected areas (MPAs) as a means to reach global conservation targets in just and inclusive ways (Convention on Biological Diversity [CDB] 1992, Aichi Target 11). Similarly, scholars voice the need to incorporate the human dimension and indigenous people's rights into the broader marine agenda for sustainable management (Alexander et al, 2021; Allison et al, 2020; Ban & Frid, 2018; Bennett et al, 2017; Martin et al, 2016; Richmond & Kotowicz, 2015). Yet, as this paper demonstrates, the fragmented state of ocean legalities may jeopardise the expected MPAs' payoffs regarding conservation, justice, and equity.…”