#23 Nathan Bennett: Ocean scientist @ WWF & IUCN
From Ocean Collaborations by Ocean Collaborations from Jan Maisenbacher
February 26, 2026 · 48 min
About this episode
Nathan Bennett discusses the future of the blue economy and ocean conservation with Jan Maisenbacher.
In this episode Nathan Bennett and Jan Maisenbacher discuss the future of the blue economy , marine protected areas , social equity, and the importance of civic engagement in ocean conservation. Learn more about the regenerative blue economy concept and discover how collaboration across sectors can drive sustainable and regenerative ocean practices. Nathan is Global Oceans Lead Scientist at WWF , Chair of the People & the Ocean Specialist Group at IUCN –CEESP , and professor at The University of British Columbia. This episode is especially relevant for broader conservation communities working at the intersection of oceans, people, and policy. And: for those going to the The Economist World Ocean Summit early March (meet Nathan there). Nathan shares how the ocean might speak to us:💙 “I love you, I’m here for you – but I’m sick.” 💔🚫 Why biodiversity loss, acidification, and plastics are symptoms of a deeper disconnect🎣 How coastal communities and small-scale fishers feel these changes first and mostWe explore what a truly regenerative blue economy could look like – beyond buzzwords:🪝 From “blue economy” to regenerative blue economy and rewilding the ocean🦀 Why 30x30 needs…
People in this episode
Host: Jan Maisenbacher
Guest: Nathan Bennett
Topics covered
- blue economy
- marine protected areas
- social equity
- civic engagement
- ocean conservation
- sustainable practices
- biodiversity
Keywords
- regenerative blue economy
- ocean governance
- biodiversity loss
- coastal communities
- social regeneration
- human rights
- participatory governance
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WWF, IUCN, The University of British Columbia
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