New e-course on Art and Ocean Governance launched on the UN CC: Learn platform
We are thrilled to announce that a brand new, certified e-course, Art and The Stewardship of the Ocean, developed by the One Ocean Hub in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), has just been launched on the UN CC: Learn platform. The e-course explores the transformative potential of art on the way that people perceive, relate to and govern the ocean. It brings together inputs from artists, researchers, Indigenous communities, ocean lovers, and policy-makers, exploring the profound connections between art and ocean governance processes and practices. The contribution of arts-based approaches to dealing with ocean governance challenges is emerging as critical in enhancing innovation and dialogue to enable diverse actors with diverse views and priorities to work together in addressing the planetary crises.
This e-course addresses the intertwined and increased vulnerability of marine life and ocean-dependent communities whose lives, livelihoods, traditions and cultural heritage are most intimately connected to the ocean. Unfortunately, current structures governing the ocean often fail to recognize the crucial importance of knowledge held by Indigenous and local people. Their voices, perspectives, and traditional knowledge are essential for effective ocean stewardship, but remain underrepresented. These challenges demand a transformative, transdisciplinary approach to ocean governance. Such a system must honour diverse ways of knowing, including Indigenous and local knowledge systems, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Art emerges as a powerful catalyst for this transformation. Universal and boundary-crossing, art enables avenues for decision-makers working on complex environmental challenges to engage with communities and the public in innovative and meaningful ways. By incorporating various forms of artistic expression, art can catalyse public awareness, open more generative spaces for dialogue between diverse stakeholders, rights-holders and knowledge-holders, and inspire a more profound connection between the ocean and humankind.
With all this in mind, our new e-course examines how artistic creation can bridge divides and inspire innovative solutions, and provides examples of how the power of art, community and local and Indigenous knowledge can turn the tide in ocean decision-making.
The course is open and free for anyone to engage with. Upon completion, participants will receive an official UN CC: Learn certificate. In addition, there is an opportunity for each participant to create a piece of art reflecting on ocean stewardship.
You are cordially invited to dive right in!
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