Fostering inclusion and equity in ocean sustainability through knowledge co-construction

Abstract

Ocean science plays a critical role in decision-making processes with distributional effects, which inherently carry equity implications. At the same time, concerns about equity shape how ocean science is conducted, influencing which scientific questions are prioritized. Expanding participation in setting research agendas through inclusive processes can significantly alter the trajectory of ocean science. Recent initiatives promoting “ocean knowledge co-production” in transdisciplinary research are grounded in this idea, emphasizing the involvement of decision-makers and coastal communities in determining scientific priorities. Such inclusivity enhances the relevance of research for policy needs and strengthens community trust by increasing the legitimacy of scientific endeavors. However, co-production is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are multiple models of co-production, with varying degrees of inclusion, equitability, and effectiveness, and some may even backfire if not implemented carefully. The emerging International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) aims to integrate co-production into its operational framework, with the goal of producing actionable, community-relevant research to strengthen ocean knowledge-policy interfaces. We present the findings from our multi-pronged attempts at defining and piloting inclusive and equitable co-production processes within the context of the IPOS framework. This includes: 1) Key design features elicited during dedicated workshops with marine social scientists and practitioners; 2) The “IPOS Handbook for Best Practices Implementation.”; 3) Outcomes from a Towards IPOS Pilot Project in co-leadership with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC). Insights from these experiences point towards the need for a clear, principled, and consistent engagement with researchers, practitioners, and historically marginalized ocean communities from the Global South. For IPOS to successfully contribute to ocean sustainability, it must ensure that co-production processes are not only inclusive but also equitable and capable of addressing the needs of coastal communities. Therefore, the adoption of an human rights-based approach to ocean sustainability by IPOS will be crucial for making co-production effective and ensuring the success of the platform’s work.