What?
The RELATE Foresight Workshop explores the integration of relational values (RVs)—the values arising from human relationships with the ocean—into marine conservation to foster social equity in decision-making.
Why?
This initiative responds to the need for inclusive conservation strategies under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.
About
The RELATE Foresight Workshop focuses on advancing social equity in marine conservation by addressing the critical need to integrate relational values (RVs) into decision-making processes. In light of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030, the workshop aims to operationalize RVs—values arising from human relationships with the ocean—as a key factor in creating inclusive and socially relevant conservation strategies. By gathering an interdisciplinary group of experts, RELATE seeks to develop standardized methods for quantifying RVs in coastal and marine social-ecological systems. This effort will provide policymakers with essential tools for equitable decision-making, ensuring that marine conservation efforts account for diverse values and foster more effective and harmonious outcomes.
Key Objectives
RELATE aims to advance the operationalization of RVs in coastal and marine social-ecological systems and lay the groundwork for promoting standardized quantification of RVs as a tool to strengthen social equity in coastal and marine conservation. Specific objectives (SO) include:
- Identify the opportunities and challenges of recently developed methodological approaches for quantifying relational values (RVs) in coastal and marine social-ecological systems.
- Develop a framework linking RVs to social equity and explore how their operationalization can foster equity in marine conservation.
- Establish a motivated group of researchers to test and apply RV quantification methods globally, laying the groundwork for a future global database of marine RVs.
Expected Outcomes The RELATE workshop aims to produce impactful outcomes that advance the understanding and application of relational values (RVs) in coastal and marine social-ecological systems, with a focus on fostering social equity in marine conservation.
- Submission of a scientific article stressing the opportunities and challenges of operationalizing RVs in coastal and marine SES.
- Submission of a perspective paper on how the operationalization of RVs can advance ocean equity in marine conservation.
- Building up from the discussions, experiences, and interests shown during the workshop, an interdisciplinary network for empirical research on RVs will be established.
These outcomes will not only contribute to cutting-edge research and collaboration but also provide actionable insights to guide equitable and inclusive conservation practices on a global scale.
Expected Impact
The RELATE Foresight Workshop will help advance EuroMarine's goals by integrating relationalvalues (RVs) into marine conservation and management. It will foster collaboration through a global network of researchers, promoting joint research and enhancing EuroMarine’s influence. By producing high-impact research and aligning with key policy priorities, RELATE will boost EuroMarine's visibility and contribute to more equitable and sustainable marine management. The workshop’s results will reach a wide audience, strengthening EuroMarine's position in both the scientific and policy communities.
Registration
For registration and participation to this workshop you should reach out to Natali Lazzari lazzari.natali@gmail.com.