ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

Reversing the trend of destruction
The Ocean Foundation: Putting communities first in the fight to
protect our ocean through unique and varied initiatives
MY OPINION
As the only community
foundation for the ocean,
The Ocean Foundation is
dedicated to reversing the trend
of destruction of ocean environments
around the world. We focus on our
global ocean and every one of us
who depends on it.
Historically, the ocean has only
received 7% of all environmental
grantmaking – and ultimately less
than 1% of all philanthropy. But the
ocean covers 71% of our planet: This
doesn’t add up. For over 20 years,
we’ve been working to change this
ratio. We’ve connected the money we raise to the communities
that need funding for marine science and conservation the most.
Through our community foundation services, we provide donoradvised
funds, philanthropic advising for those new to oceancentered
giving, and fiscal sponsorship so that people running
local projects can focus on their work in the field.
With any gaps we see in our community foundation services,
we have also launched core initiatives that work to build lasting
relationships within our community and provide leading contributions
to global ocean conservation work. These initiatives fall into four
categories: Blue Resilience, Plastics, Ocean Science Equity, and
Community Ocean Engagement (Ocean Literacy).
Blue Resilience Initiative:
BRI works to support coastal community resilience by restoring
and conserving habitats like seagrasses, mangroves, coral reefs,
seaweeds, and salt marshes. Through this initiative, we focus
on ecosystems as a whole, rather than specific parts – because
an ecosystem will be more resilient if it is more connected. Not
only are we conserving what is left, but we are actively restoring
and enhancing the state of these coastal ecosystems.
Our blue carbon restoration and conservation projects work on
the ground to create a more vibrant, sustainable blue economy.
These projects run smoothly because we equip local communities
with the tools to match their needs and provide training for
their use.
Plastics Initiative:
TOF’s Plastics Initiative encourages the sustainable production and
consumption of plastics – to create a truly circular economy and
protect human and environmental health. Because the production
of plastics has become so complex and is unlikely to be stopped
completely, we focus much of our
efforts at the top of the production
chain: promoting the redesign of
plastics.
We work closely with domestic and
global policymakers to address the
plastic pollution crisis and steer the
conversation to a solution-driven
approach that reevaluates how
plastics are made, and are ultimately
working to steer discussions and
lesser-heard perspectives around an
international global plastic treaty.
Ocean Science Equity Initiative:
Changing ocean conditions are affecting all of us, but the scientific
infrastructure to address these conditions are inequitably
distributed across the world. We work to supply the necessary
tools and equipment to communities who need them the most
– not just those who can afford them – to monitor and respond
to fluctuations in ocean environments. Our Ocean Science Equity
Initiative addresses the root causes of unequal distribution of
ocean science capacity and aims for all countries and communities
to have access to the resources they need.
We strive to let local voices lead, and aim to be the bridge
between communities and affordable, open-source technology.
Community Ocean Engagement Global Initiative:
COEGI is dedicated to developing equal ocean literacy resources
for marine educators across the globe. Our vision is to inspire
community leaders and educate people about the ocean’s influence
on us as well as our influence on the ocean. If we can educate
people both inside and outside of a traditional classroom setting,
this knowledge of trends in the ocean will aid in driving conservation
action around the world.
This is a community-based approach that not only educates,
but also empowers individuals to take action and build lasting
relationships.
Without our community, these initiatives wouldn’t be possible.
We can’t do it without you. Join us in ensuring a vibrant and
sustainable ocean, and future, for generations to come.
Learn more about The Ocean Foundation and ways to support at
www.oceanfdn.org
www.oceanfdn.org/community-foundation-services/ways-to-give/
ONBOARD | AUTUMN 2023 | 17