Conference Theme and Strands

 
 

The first round Call for Papers form for concurrent sessions on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 is now available for downloading on this web site. This Call for Papers seeks participation from the full spectrum of formal and informal educators (and scientists) practicing throughout the Pacific (and beyond). Following the conference theme of “Sustaining the Pacific: Learning from Elders, Listening to Youth” we also aim to attract papers from two important but often underrepresented sectors.

As well as the usual scientists and educators, we aim to hear from elders with traditional knowledge of ocean systems and the young people to whom we entrust the future of ocean systems. Through sharing of ideas and experiences we hope to define essential marine education content and to identify successful practices that contribute to a healthy (sustainable) ocean and to healthy communities that depend upon it.


Main conference venue

The Call for Papers is based on both the IPMEN’08 conference theme of “Sustaining the Pacific: Learning from Elders – Listening to Youth” and the four conference strands for keynote speakers and concurrent sessions outlined below:

  • Education for ocean literacy* – creating a generation of ocean scientists, educators, citizens and decision makers who will support sustainability of the ocean and its resources.
  • Current action on sustainability education in the Pacific – hearing from actively engaged traditional elders, scientists, educators and youth.
  • Linking the Pacific – from the coconut wireless (local networks) to broadband (global) webs.
  • Capacity building – building/realising the network (making it real).

*The term “ocean literacy” is more commonly used in the USA and refers to “understanding the ocean's influence on you and your influence on the ocean”. Read about the essential principles of ocean literacy here.