Communicating Environmental Justice and Social Equity in the Ocean Context

Communicating environmental justice and social equity in the context of the ocean is a complex challenge—especially when we aim to bring forward critical voices and address equity rather than merely equality. This discussion goes beyond questions of distribution or representation; it calls for a deeper examination of social justice and the structural forces that shape injustice. We ought to connect environmental injustices with broader dimensions of social justice, including gender, race, and colonialism, recognizing that even well-intentioned “equitable approaches” can reproduce existing power imbalances.

Science communication and critical journalism play vital roles in sparking these conversations. Scholars working on environmental justice have a responsibility to make their expertise accessible and relevant to the public. However, such collaboration between journalists and researchers requires mutual trust and shared values.

To address this need, the NF Ocean Nexus Program, Metcalf Institute, and the Uproot Project have launched a new initiative to connect Ocean Nexus scholars focusing on ocean equity with journalists working on environmental justice. Together, they are challenging conventional models of science communication. This webinar highlights the first-year experiences of the fellows and the institutional leaders who supported this pioneering partnership.

This webinar is brought to you by Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus at the University of Rhode Island, the Metcalf Institute, and The Uproot Project.

🎙️ Panelists:
• Fara Warner – Executive Director, Metcalf Institute, University of Rhode Island
• Lucia Priselac – Director, Uproot Project
• Luis Joel Méndez González – Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) Fellow
• Rachel Ramirez – MONA Fellow
• Eva Tesfaye – MONA Fellow

🎙️ Host: Yoshitaka Ota – Director, Ocean Nexus | Professor, Department of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island

Relevant Background

OCEAN EQUITY LEARNING FORUM | Ocean Governance, Law, and Policy
oceannexus.org/learningforum/oceangovernancelawpolicy

METCALF INSTITUTE
https://web.uri.edu/metcalf/

METCALF INSTITUTE​ Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA)
https://web.uri.edu/metcalf/metcalf-o...

THE UPROOT PROJECT
https://uprootproject.org

Chapters
00:00 Welcome & Ocean Nexus Introduction (Dr. Yoshi Ota)
00:54 Webinar focus – Communications, environmental justice & Mona Fellowship
02:00 Panelist introductions – Farah, Lucia, Luis, Eva & Rachel
10:01 Question/Topic 1 – Gaps in environmental justice journalism
26:31 Question/Topic 2 – Reporting under political pressure & working with scientists
37:12 Question/Topic 3 – Global perspectives, networks & access
44:20 Case studies/stories – Tourism, cruise industry, labor & ocean justice
50:07 Q&A/Discussion – Science–community relationships, trust & co-authorship
56:11 Mona Fellowship reflections & future collaborations
58:42 Closing remarks & how to connect with Ocean Nexus and panelists