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=====Marine CoLABoration=====

‘Valuing the Ocean’ is an initiative of the [[http://www.gulbenkian.pt/Institucional/en/Homepage|Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation]] that aims to enhance the environmental sector's ability to communicate the role of the ocean for human wellbeing, in particular by facilitating a collaboration between the fields of natural science and economics. The Foundation’s London branch has decided to take a laboratory approach with Marine CoLABoration to foster engagement and a shared, co-created vision.

Watch the short [[movie_year1|movie]] about the first year of Marine CoLAB, edited by Sue Ranger with contributions from the participants

Learn more about the [[http://www.gulbenkian.pt/Institucional/en/Activities/ProgrammesAndProjects/GulbenkianOceansInitiative|Gulbenkian Oceans Initiative]].



=====Events and Opportunities=====

See [[events and opportunities]], with links to upcoming conferences, workshops, fairs and other gatherings relevant to Marine CoLab.

=====Workshops======

The workshops are designed to provide the space and resources for a small group of organisations to meet regularly over a two-year period to explore existing practices, and identify and experiment with new ones. Marine CoLABoration is particularly interested in looking at how better to bridge the gaps between innovative local practice and influence at national and EU levels, and how to convey the intrinsic as well as socioeconomic value of the seas.

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/10057905935}}\\

==== Workshop #1 201501 ====

On 15 January 2015 a group of 16 people came together for a day-long [[workshop 201501|workshop]] at the Gulbenkian Foundation in London to co-create a range of scenarios for Marine CoLABoration. The aim of the workshop was for participants to get to know each other as creative individuals and glimpse their shared vision(s) for the initiative. Consideration of the oceans inevitably surfaces many 'big' problems, which need multiple perspectives brought to bear to incite meaningful change. Thus the workshop explored the nature of value, economic and social assumptions which impact the significance and complexity of the issues involved. Scenarios were developed which explored more sustainable economic and governance systems as the world experiences continued effects of climate change.

We began by we looking at how Marine CoLAB could change the world - from individual, collective and global perspectives, today and in the future. When we looked into the previous [[workshop_201501#worldchanging|world-changing experiences]] of the participants, we found that the group is keen to seize opportunities to reframe challenges and find ways to refresh whole systems. To be effective change-makers you told us you required appropriate capacities and a youthful, entrepreneurial spirit. Aside from your own qualities, you also need other people. World-changing happens through trusted collaborations and networks, and often with a strong social safety net. In the process of changing the world, you felt excited, inspired, rewarded, free and happy, but also exhausted and often frustrated. 

We talked about what we [[workshop_201501#what_is_known_presumed_and_unknown|know, presume and don’t know]] about valuing the oceans. It was apparent that there is a lot of knowledge about oceans in the group, but also some confusion about what 'valuing' oceans actually means and how it can contribute to healthier eco-systems. Rooted in the knowledge about the present, we probed what the emerging trends and weak signals might be, and questioned how valuing the oceans might evolve. Climate change and the growth economy emerged as he most important, but also most uncertain drivers of change for Marine CoLABoration. 

Based on these two drivers, we created four [[workshop_201501?&#scenarios|scenarios]] and asked how Marine CoLAB would change the world in four quite different yet possible futures. What emerged were a few interesting directions, each of which involved changing the world through establishing or strengthening connections. Marine CoLab was creating links between the ocean and society, between governments and corporations, it was bridging the gaps between local and global governance of oceans, and working towards sustainable growth by integrating values with innovation. Even though these [[workshop_201501#answers_to_the_core_question|answers]] emerged from speculative scenarios set six to ten years in the future, any of them could become a Marine CoLAB initiative much sooner than that. Whether they will be taken up depends on your interests and experience. 

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/16325221402/in/set-72157650383972831}}
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/16325221402/in/set-72157650383972831|larger image]] on flickr

Further details can be found at [[workshop 201501]]

CGF's blogpost about the workshop: [[http://www.gulbenkian.org.uk/blogs/environment/111_Think-of-a-situation-in-which-you-felt-able-to-change-the-world.html|Think of a situation in which you felt able to change the world]]

==== Workshop #2 201503 ====

The second workshop of the Marine CoLAB builds on ideas and suggestions that emerged during the first meeting in January. In the second workshop we looked at what the participants want to contribute to Marine CoLAB, which challenges and hypotheses are present in the group and which specific [[experiments]] can be designed to respond to these challenges. 

The [[workshop_201503#challengeshypotheses|challenges and hypotheses]] that emerged from the participants current work and discussions during the workshop included systemic change and connecting disparate actions and experiments, public engagement with rules, valuing the cultural dimension of oceans, as well as the need to change perceptions of marine conservation in general and NGOs in particular. Based on these challenges, the participants designed five [[workshop_201503#experiments]] that could be implemented on the short term (until July 2015), but can also form the basis of longer term investigations within Marine CoLAB. 

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/16624594937/}}
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/16624594937/in/set-72157650383972831|larger image]] on flickr


Notes can be found at [[workshop 201503]]

==== Workshop #3 201505 ====

The third Marine CoLAB workshop had a twofold purpose: building on the themes and experiments from the previous workshops and deepening the connection with the participants’ organisational contexts and current work. While the first two workshops focused on individual personalities and talents, in the May workshop the participants introduced their [[workshop_201505?&#organisational_introductions|professional contexts]]. This gave some indications about how existing work could contribute to Marine CoLAB and perhaps form new connections for (bilateral) collaborations and experiments. Participants continued their discussion around the three [[workshop_201505#emerging_themes|emerging themes]] of Systems Change, Changing Perceptions and Public Engagement. The discussion presented these themes as broad challenges for Marine CoLAB as a whole and looked at the relationship to the proposed (or new) experiments. 

In the afternoon the group agreed on the experiments they will develop until the next workshop and settled on [[plastic_pollution_experiment|Plastic Pollution]] and [[transparency_experiment|Transparency of Marine Industries]]. Two of the experiments designed in March, [[game_on_experiment|Game On!]] and [[gone_fishing_in_the_thames_experiment|Gone Fishing in the Thames]] will continue to be developed but were not discussed further at the workshop. Before the designs were finalised, they were tested using a role playing exercise called a [[workshop_201505?&#pre-enactment|pre-enactment]] to challenge some of the participants’ assumptions from different points of view. The workshop ended with a design and planning session for the groups to clarify their [[workshop_201505?&#implementation|implementation]] plans. Follow-up conversations are planned through conference calls, emails and wiki updates, aiming to have the first experimental results to present at the next workshop. 

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/17400811095/}}
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/17400811095/in/set-72157650383972831|larger image]] on flickr

Notes can be found at [[workshop 201505]]


==== Workshop #4 201507 ====

The fourth workshop brought to an end the scoping phase of the Marine CoLAB. The experiments were concluded, providing insight and preliminary results that were shared in the group. There were two main purposes for the workshop: to clarify what has been learnt from the experiments and to introduce collbaorative processes to enable these (or similar) experiments to be used as a foundation for larger, longer term projects, using an iterative, experimental approach.

The progress and conclusions from three experiments were explored; [[transparency experiment|Transparency of Marine Industries]] and blue divestment, [[plastic_pollution_experiment|Plastic pollution]] from a systems change perspective and [[game_on_experiment|Game On!]]. Two of the experiments were used to introduce techniques for scaling and extrapolation of the preliminary results. As the experiments became more concrete and the more clearly related to existing work, the participants felt it would be easier to commit time and resources to development. The workshop concluded with sessions to evaluate the outcomes of each experiment, the scoping workshops and the wider collaboration.

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/19388806580/in/album-72157650383972831/}}\\

Notes can be found at [[workshop 201507]]


====Workshop #5 201509====

The main purpose of the Lisbon trip was to strengthen the sense of direction and shared values for the Marine CoLAB. There were several opportunities to extend the community by building connections with Portugese marine NGOs. Thursday (23/09) was dedicated to Marine CoLAB which was [[workshop_20150923#lab_session_2015-09-23|designed collaboratively]] on Wednesday (22/09). The first session in the lighthouse of Nazaré introduced the participants to the Portugese marine conservation [[workshop_20150923#portugese_context|context]]. Catarina Grillo welcomed Marine CoLAB and described the context within which the Gulbenkian Oceans initiative [[http://www.gulbenkian.pt/inst/en/Activities/ProgrammesAndProjects/GulbenkianOceansInitiative|GOI]] operates. During a field trip to Peniche, the participants had a chance to hear and speak to people involved with GOI, namely SPEA (Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves), WWF Portugal and two researchers from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE). The trip ended with a visit to the Lisbon [[http://www.oceanario.pt/|Oceanario]], with a networking event with Portugese marine NGOs and a visit to the aquarium and their temporary exhibition [[http://www.oceanario.pt/exposicoes/|Florestas Submersas]] by Takashi Amano.

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/21651955736/in/album-72157650383972831/}}\\


Thursday (25/09) was dedicated to the [[workshop_20150923#lab_session_2015-09-24|Marine CoLAB]] session, held at the CGF headquarters in Lisbon. The morning started with the Marine CoLAB’s [[workshop_20150923#current_projectsexperiments|project incubator]]. The most developed [[workshop_20150923#plastics_experiment|Plastics experiment]] was discussed in detail, with sessions spilling into the afternoon in order to design the funding application to the Oak Foundation. Other initiatives, such as the [[transparency_experiment|Transparency of Marine Industries]], [[Value Added Marine Conservation]] and [[game_on_experiment|Game On!]] were briefly touched upon, and plans were made to continue the discussions in the next Marine CoLAB workshop. Projects by individual participants and their organisations that are related to Marine CoLAB  were listed (e.g. Marine Safe, River Academy, Beach watch, Ocean Optimism, Sustainable seafood coalition, etc.). Before the next workshop each participant committed to draft a brief note outlining the project, why it is relevant to Marine CoLAB and what it might need from Marine CoLAB. 

The afternoon focused on the broader aspects of Marine CoLAB as a platform, a network of networks, [[workshop_20150923#melting_pot|melting pot]] or "Marine Innovation Exchange", where the participants could inform, support, mentor and inspire each other, where their individual efforts could be amplified and scaled, where they would find time and space to (re)think collaboration. The workshop ended with planning and [[workshop_20150923#next_steps|action points]] leading into the next session in November 2015 in London.


Notes can be found at [[workshop 20150923]]\\
Louisa Hooper on [[http://gulbenkian.org.uk/blogs/environment/128_Marine-coLAB--5--Value-in-Lisbon.html|Lessons Learned from Marine CoLAB #5]]

====Workshop #06 201511 ====

The last workshop of the first year of Marine CoLAB was designed based on the needs of the participants expressed during the CoLAB session Lisbon in September. It was deemed  important to look at the big picture as well as the practicalities of the months and year(s) to come. In the morning the participants focused on the Marine CoLAB as a whole, beginning with reflecting on [[workshop_20151125#marine_colab_so_far|Marine CoLAB so far]]: what worked and what needs more work. The participants appreciate the people involved and the community building aspect of Marine CoLAB; they enjoy having time and space to explore, supported by the CGF (especially Louisa Hooper) and the facilitators from FoAM. What needs more work is clarity about the direction and shape of Marine CoLAB, as well as a clearer outward focus on communication and stakeholder engagement, which includes the participants' organisations. Involving the organisations, rather than just individuals would help with the issue of finding time to engage, retain energy and deliver potential of ideas and projects. The participants agreed that they can improve their organisational buy-in, communication with stakeholders, as well as work on sustainability of Marine CoLAB as a network. 

{{>http://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/22702445914/}}\\

Grounded in the past and present experience of Marine CoLAB, the participants moved into a visioning process lead by Giles Bristow, to clarify the overall Marine CoLAB vision and mission. The stories from [[workshop_20151125#future_of_marine_colab|Marine CoLAB in 2021]] included a strong values based approach to connecting people and oceans; game-changing results in the governance, corporate and public awareness sectors, with positive effects on the health of oceans; in 2021 Marine CoLAB clearly adds value through realised experiments (that show change and are replicable for different sectors), good communication and a noticeable shift of values, which increase the wellbeing of both humans and oceans. These visions lead to refining the [[workshop_20151125#missionmix|mission of Marine CoLAB]] as a network with ambitious goals (eg. reduction of the impact of fossil fuels on oceans) focusing on amplifying values-based approaches to behavioural change and stronger connectedness between humans and oceans. Giles will continue to work on the mission statement based on the input from the workshop.

At the end of the morning Sue Ranger took the group through a presentation and discussion of a [[workshop_20151125#values_based_approach|values based approach]], as a lens that can be used to shape and evaluate projects, experiments and the initiative itself. She talked about a need to find the appropriate language that all participants can understand, moving from issue-based Theory of Change to one based on shared values, allowing for more diverse voices in the discussion. This will require a careful design of a values-driven strategy, communication, and gathering evidence from a range of values-based experiments. More research is required, and the discussion will continue at the next workshop. 

After the lunch-break and inspiring interactions with a few animals in the Zoo, the focus shifted to the [[workshop_20151125#project_incubator|Marine CoLAB project incubator]]. The first session, facilitated by Aniol Esteban was a broad mapping of existing and emerging projects by participating organisations, which could be relevant to Marine CoLAB. Thirteen projects have been discussed and three main focus areas identified: MPAs and marine planning, Capacity building, Education and communication. Based on the discussion Aniol compiled a [[project incubator form]] for the participants to fill in by early December. The next steps include a more in-depth mapping of interactions and engagement, as well as rethinking of the projects using the values lens.

Two following sessions discussed the two projects that emerged from previous workshops: GameOn! guided by Sandy Luk and Plastic Bottles project lead by Heather Koldewey. The latter was a working session focused on planning of the [[workshop_20151125#plastics_project|Single Use Plastic Bottle free London]] project, including looking at the values based approach, the collaborative structure, as well as the implementation plan and stakeholder engagement in the short and long term. During and after the workshop several follow-up meetings have been planned, to be held in December and January.

[[workshop_20151125#game_on|GameOn!]] looked at possible gaming approaches to ocean engagement, specifically at a game-lab process for developing mini games, developing a marine conservation game (possibly using augmented reality) and influencing game developers through a think-tank or 'one-stop-shop' approach. The session ended with an overview of advantages and disadvantages of all three approaches, and concluded that there is more research and experimentation needed, in order to be able to answer whether perception of the value of oceans can be changed through digital media. Heather, Sandy and Sue committed to putting together a series of research questions and masters topics, which students at the Exeter university might be able to tackle. Heather will explore possibilities to connect GameOn! to a workshop on "Virtual Chagos" planned at ZSL in 2016.  

The day ended with a session about the future of [[workshop_20151125#planning_2016|Marine CoLAB in 2016]]. The participants agreed that more work needs to happen on designing and experimenting with Marine CoLAB as a collaborative network. This would happen in 4-6 sessions with the entire group. The result of these meetings would be an ambitious mission, supported by a clear values-based strategy, implemented through sustainable business and governance models. There needs to be more work done on communication and stakeholder engagement (including a stronger buy-in from the organisations). Marine CoLAB projects will be developed in smaller working groups. The plastics project is the first one, GameOn might continue in some form, and more projects are likely to be identified and developed through the mapping of projects in the Marine CoLAB incubator. The participants noted that there must be sufficient time and space for open thinking and exploration outside of specific projects as well. To ensure that the value of the Marine CoLAB approach is understood and appreciated by the organisations and other stakeholders, the participants will put together a written reflection on the benefit of 12 months of Marine CoLAB, explaining how it affected ways of working and its potential long term value for oceans. 

Notes can be found at [[workshop 20151125]].

====Possible developments=====

The Marine CoLAB could develop in several directions; from temporary sessions held on cargo ships or icebreakers, to site specific work in marine parks, remote islands or mangroves. Further workshops, seminars, field trips or thematic working groups could all enhance the work that has been brought into focus with the initial workshops. Our current suggestions would include monthly or bi-monthly meetings (which could comprise smaller working groups or the wider community of interest) periodic in-depth thematic working retreats (several days), space for more ad-hoc temporary sessions based around emergent topics with presentations or sessions in existing forums.
 
=====Platforms======

  * http://ecosystemcommons.org/
  * http://marineecosystemservices.org

=====Reading/reference=====

  * [[Recommended Reading]]
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