Proposed outcomes arising from the initiative may include:
(i) Independent research papers that combine global expertise with local knowledge and skills;
(ii) Input into global debates, informing and shaping the new marine regulatory space through conferences, communication/dissemination of results and position papers;
(iii) Strengthening capacity of local research to support senior policy makers in emerging economies;
(iv) Cross-fertilizing research through networks.
Structure and process
This Initiative will be run by LSE IGA, with potential partners to be added. Of specific interest would be a complementary skill sets and regional coverage, in particular from emerging economies.
LSE IGA Lead
This Initiative is being developed by IGA Visiting Fellows Torsten Thiele and Nishan Degnarain.
Torsten has a background in finance and speaks widely on ocean issues. He is an observer in the UNCLOS marine biodiversity negotiations as well as the International Seabed Authority meetings and workshops at European and global level. He launched the NGO Global Ocean Trust and as member of the Ocean-Climate Platform participated in the UNFCCC Paris COP21. Torsten recently co-authorised two academic papers and a number of policy briefs on ocean governance issues.
Nishan is an economist who recently published “Soul of the Sea in the Age of the Algorithm,” focused on how the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ will transform global ocean governance. He Chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Oceans where he developed and launched a new three year Special Initiative on the Ocean, brokered a major UN Declaration on illegal fishing (Tuna Traceability Declaration) and works with major technology companies on breakthrough solutions for the ocean. Nishan sits on the Board of the National Ocean Council of Mauritius and is an international member of China’s CCICED, advising the Chinese Government on their National Ocean Strategy.
Activities and Financing
The Initiative is in a preparatory phase.