The Ocean Commons

In Colonial times, the commons was a central portion of land set aside and shared by all for agriculture, animals, and general well-being. Today, the ocean is the greatest commons of all, as more than 90% of its volume lies outside of national interest. The most important geopolitical question we now face is, "How do we govern and manage the ocean outside national jurisdiction to use it responsibly, sustain its value, and assure its potential forever for the benefit of all mankind?" In this episode of World Ocean Radio, host Peter Neill will discuss the obstacles to greater progress in caring for and protecting our ocean and will assert that we have the knowledge, principles and organizations in place to make a powerful difference in our ability to address the deteriorating condition of the ocean commons.

Image Credit: Daily Galaxy   

References from this episode:
< "The Tragedy of the Commons" by Garrett Hardin
< Rio+20 | United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
< UN General Assembly | About
< UN Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission | UNESCO
< UN Food & Agriculture Organization
< International Maritime Organization
< International Seabed Authority
< Convention on Biological Diversity
< The Antarctic Treaty
< United Nations Oceans & Law of the Sea
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Peter Neill, Director of the W2O and host of World Ocean Radio, provides coverage of a broad spectrum of ocean issues from science and education to advocacy and exemplary projects. World Ocean Radio, a project of the World Ocean Observatory, is a weekly series of five-minute audio essays available for syndicated use at no cost by community radio stations worldwide.