Ocean Policies

Objectives

Adopt and advocate a holistic view on the ocean issues.



Recognize the ocean´s important role towards climate change and other environmental problems.



Identify the different threats and opportunities related to the ocean; list the most relevant actors at the different levels; outline the available tools to overcome, minimize or respond to the threats, to use positively the existing opportunities, and to create new ones.



Explain the potential opportunities for a sustainable blue economy.



Identify and evaluate the most relevant political instruments and lines of action at a global, regional, national at local levels, and diagnose the need for further development.


General characterization

Code

33247

Credits

4

Responsible teacher

Assunção Cristas,Maria Damanaki

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - 112

Teaching language

Available soon

Prerequisites

Not Applicable

Bibliography

Not Applicable

Teaching method

Lectures comprise a broad discussion of all topics, with a special focus on concrete examples; special participants might be invited to join the classes.



Individual presentation of student´s papers followed by discussion with the professor and colleagues.


Evaluation method

Completion of a written assignment, presentation and oral discussion of the same.


Subject matter

1.Core lines of ocean policies. Main political players and different layers of political action, from de multilateral global conventions (maxime UNCLOS) to the regional, national, and local instruments.



2. Old and new uses of the ocean. Main challenges, opportunities, and threats. The digital transition. Maritime Spatial Planning.



3. A healthy, productive, and resilient ocean for all: sustainable food, carbon storage and ecosystems protection and restoration, clean energy, well-being, and connectivity.



4. Sustainability as the central concern and guiding principle. Research, knowledge, and technology. Public awareness, ocean literacy, and citizen science.



5. Critical discussion on the need of binding or non-binding political and legal instruments.