Key Information
Year:
2021Education Establishment:
University of PortsmouthName of Chair Lead:
Professor Pierre Failer‘Blue Governance’ (BG) is an emerging concept built from the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance principles. It refers to structures and processes designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. Therefore, BG relates to the public and private institutional mechanisms (institutional coordination, private-public partnerships, institutional arrangements, etc.) required to implement initiatives, strategies and policies of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development.
The work of this Chair
The UNESCO Chair in Ocean Governance aims to contribute to the improved governance of oceans and inland waters. It uses the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development framework to address the multifaceted challenge of diverse stakeholders, knowledge gaps and changing environments. The Chair adopts an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach across research, education and policy initiatives, with a focus on partnerships and exchange.
The Chair's Key Goals:
- Undertake research to better understand marine and inland environments and their governance to promote natured-based solutions for national needs.
- Drive better policy governance by providing accessible and essential inter-disciplinary expertise to support and guide blue economy policies.
- Promote education and training of the youth, civil society and specific stakeholders to empower self-governance and evidence-based policies.
- Network with countries of the global south and other UNESCO Chairs for increased global education, capacity building and promote shared understanding.
About the Chair Lead
Pierre Failer is Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Business and Law and Director of the Centre for Blue Governance.
Professor Failer specialises in development economics, particularly environmental or ecological economics, exploring the interfaces between the use of natural resources and the development of countries. His particular area of expertise is the 'Blue Economy' — the sustainable use of oceans and coastlines for economic growth while preserving the health of ecosystems.
Professor Failer investigates how developing countries can benefit from the use of natural resources in a sustainable way, and, importantly, how to place a monetary value on the protection of the natural environment. His research helps countries to develop sustainably. It informs the implementation of policies that favour environmental protection while providing economic and social benefits.
