Sebastian Villasante

University of Santiago de Compostela | USC · European Research Council Consolidator Grant I IPBES Transformative Changes Assessment

PECS working group: https://pecs-science.org/ocean-equity-for-sustainable-futures/ In this working group, we will provide key evidence for enhancing ocean equity in the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment by integrating the concept of relational values and a focus on the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and resources. Based on the members’ expertise and empirical research findings, this working group aims to answer the following questions: - What role do (i) diverse nature’s values (i.e., intrinsic, instrumental and relational), (ii) empowering Indigenous People and local communities, and (iii) MPA management/implementation play regarding ocean equity for sustainable futures? - How can we advance ocean equity in and through (i) transdisciplinary sustainability science, (ii) connecting and comparing place-based social-ecological system research, and (iii) the scaling up and beyond of local initiatives? - What are leverage points for securing ocean equity in coastal and marine social-ecological systems and how are these points interconnected?

Illicit trade, including in fish and seafood products, poses economic and social risks to societies, as it circumvents established and agreed upon national and international rules of corporate and business responsibilities and behavior, economic activities, trade, and taxation. IUU activities are a problem that is widespread in the wider Caribbean region. The general objective of this project is to investigate the magnitude of the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) currently affecting the fisheries sector in the countries of the Wider Caribbean region, and provide policy recommendations to prevent IUU and its implications in terms of illicit financial flows.