How Social Enterprises Are Saving Our Oceans—and Reshaping Maritime Trade

Agents of Change: Social Enterprises and the Future of Our Oceans

Ocean health is fundamental to sustainable trade routes and the well-being of coastal communities. Yet today, our oceans face unprecedented threats – from pollution and unregulated fishing practices to biodiversity loss and a widespread lack of accountability from nation-states. In this context, social enterprises are emerging as key agents of innovation, resilience, and community empowerment. They have the potential to drive meaningful impact, inspire collective action, and strengthen the connection between ocean health and maritime economies. This panel will explore the evolving role of social enterprises in shaping maritime trade and economics, and how they can help inform and contribute to global frameworks for ocean governance and sustainability.

They have the potential to drive meaningful impact, inspire collective action, and strengthen the connection between ocean health and maritime economies. This panel will explore the evolving role of social enterprises in shaping maritime trade and economics, and how they can help inform and contribute to global frameworks for ocean governance and sustainability.

Driving Questions

● How can social enterprises influence global treaties to ensure non-state actors have a voice in ocean conservation and maritime trade governance?
● How do social enterprises balance the tensions between achieving impact, maintaining financial viability, and securing legitimacy within local communities?
● What partnerships—with governments, industry, or civil society—are most effective in scaling the impact of social enterprises within the maritime economy?

Speakers:
1. Nadeem Nazurally, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius, Mauritius (M)
2. Jodie Kuntzsch, Chief Executive, Moananui, New Zealand (F)

Moderator:
Joan Momanyi, Managing Director, Coastal Oceans Research and Development - Indian Ocean (CORDIO), Kenya (F)