In this episode Nathan Bennett and Jan Maisenbacher discuss the future of the blue economy, marine protected areas, social equity, and the importance of civic engagement in ocean conservation. Learn more about the regenerative blue economy concept and discover how collaboration across sectors can drive sustainable and regenerative ocean practices.

Nathan is Global Oceans Lead Scientist at WWF, Chair of the People & the Ocean Specialist Group at IUCN –CEESP, and professor at The University of British Columbia.

This episode is especially relevant for broader conservation communities working at the intersection of oceans, people, and policy.

And: for those going to the The Economist World Ocean Summit early March (meet Nathan there).

Nathan shares how the ocean might speak to us:💙 “I love you, I’m here for you – but I’m sick.” 💔🚫 Why biodiversity loss, acidification, and plastics are symptoms of a deeper disconnect🎣 How coastal communities and small-scale fishers feel these changes first and mostWe explore what a truly regenerative blue economy could look like – beyond buzzwords:🪝 From “blue economy” to regenerative blue economy and rewilding the ocean🦀 Why 30x30 needs quality, not just quantity – no more paper MPAs🐟 How to design ocean economies that support nutrition, livelihoods, and justice, not just GDPWe also talk about social regeneration and human rights: 🌏 Inclusive, participatory ocean governance from local to UN level🦸‍♀️ The reality and courage of ocean defenders facing repression and even violence🪬 Why governments, businesses, and civil society must protect rights, not just assets

Nathan Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bennett-8b140812Linklist from this episode:

* World Wildlife Fund (WWF): https://www.worldwildlife.org/about/profiles/nathan-bennett/

* IUCN CEESP People and the Ocean Specialist Group: https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/group/iucn-ceesp-people-and-ocean-specialist-group

* Webpage from Nathan: https://nathanbennett.ca/about/

* Ocean Defenders: https://www.oceandefenders.org

* IUCN Towards a regenerative Blue

Economy: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2024-005-En.pdf

* 13th annual World Ocean Summit from The Econmist (4./5. March 2026 Montréal): https://events.economist.com/world-ocean-summit

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com