A healthy ocean is essential for a habitable planet and to support the livelihoods of billions of people. However, our ocean is under increasing pressure, from extraction of resources, pollution and climate change. Finding solutions depends on creative leadership that is globally distributed, works across sectors, and is aware of social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts. As a partner of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the University of Edinburgh is an international hub for ocean research, teaching, and public engagement across all disciplines.
An Executive Programme for Ocean Change
Situated in the University of Edinburgh’s oceans vibrant ecosystem, the Edinburgh Ocean Leaders (EOL) is an executive leadership programme designed to accelerate the vision, capacity and influence of exceptional ocean professionals working to make a positive impact on the health of the World’s oceans, from where they live and work and beyond.
Since the programme began in 2020, 24 Ocean Leaders from 19 different countries have been selected to take part through a global nomination process.
Expanding Global Networks
Throughout 2022, the reach of Ocean Leaders as individuals and as a professional network has been influential globally.
The University of Edinburgh’s Ocean Leaders shape agendas and debates with international partners. From ocean literacy to environmental governance on the high seas, this network is developing new models for leadership and collaboration to promote positive change. For example, Harriet Harden-Davis from the inaugural cohort of the Ocean Leaders recently launched Nippon Foundation-backed Ocean Voices to better involve coastal communities in efforts to protect the world’s oceans.
Name: Meriwether Wilson and Sandy Tudhope (Co-Directors, EOL)
Email: ocean.leaders@ed.ac.uk
Website: www.oceanleaders.org
