Angelo Villagomez & Anupa Asokan Dive Deep into Ocean Justice and the Upwell Conference

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Investigate the vital discussions on diversity and ocean justice from the Upwell conference.

• Contemplate the existing gaps in diversity within ocean conservation and advocacy circles.

• Acknowledge the essential role played by marginalized communities in conservation endeavors.

• Comprehend the complex intersection of ocean justice with environmental and economic aspects.

• Consider how adaptive management continuously reshapes our views on conservation achievements.

My special guest is Angelo Villagomez, Anupa Asokan

Angelo Villagomez is an experienced ocean advocate with a focus on well-designed and implemented marine protected areas. Currently working for the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC, Angelo has spent years advocating for ocean conservation and has an extensive background working with coastal communities in the Caribbean and Pacific. As an avid scuba diver and a passionate voice for ocean justice, Angelo is committed to making the conservation field more inclusive and diverse.

Anupa Asokan is a dedicated conservationist with a diverse background in film, fisheries management, and marine protected areas. As a passionate surfer and paddleboarder, Anupa's love for the ocean runs deep. Currently working as a policy analyst for the Natural Resources Defense Council, her focus is on the promotion of sustainable fishing practices and the establishment of marine protected areas. Anupa's unique skill set allows her to effectively communicate the importance of ocean justice and work towards a more inclusive conservation community.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Register for the Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice conference on June 7th at 12:30 PM Eastern time through the link in the show notes.

• Attend the conference virtually to learn about ocean justice and the different aspects of what it means.

• Watch the conference live on YouTube to hear from speakers and participate in the forum where marginalized voices can be highlighted.

• Check out the Ocean Justice Forum to learn more about the movement and join the conversation.

• Support organizations that are working towards ocean justice, such as NRDC and the Pew Charitable Trust.

• Advocate for diversity and inclusion in the ocean conservation movement, especially at the leadership level.

• Take action to protect the ocean in your local community, such as supporting marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices.

Ocean Joy Justice in Action
Ocean recreation is an often-overlooked component of ocean conservation. Activities such as surfing, diving, and exploring marine life offer more than just enjoyment; they create meaningful connections between people and the ocean environment, shaping the public's perception of the marine landscape and inspiring efforts to preserve and protect these waters. During the podcast, Anupa Asokan discusses her involvement in a panel about experiencing joy and fun in ocean activities and how these experiences can enhance one's everyday life. However, she also brings attention to the lack of representation of diverse ethnic backgrounds in these joyous encounters and the need to make these activities more inclusive. By expanding these opportunities to connect with the ocean for all, conservation efforts can encourage a truly diverse community that values and protects shared ocean environments.

Every Coastline Needs a Hero
Local heroes can play a crucial role in conservation efforts, contributing unique knowledge to the cause and mobilizing communities to work together. These individuals, deeply rooted in the areas they call home, can spearhead efforts to protect and preserve their coastal environments. They demonstrate a profound understanding of the challenges they face and are essential participants in developing sustainable solutions tailored to their community's needs. In the podcast, Angelo Villagomez and Anupa Asokan stress the importance of supporting local heroes, who can make substantial positive changes to their environment and influence meaningful progress in conservation. They encourage everyone to help uplift these local voices and recognize their talents and expertise in finding innovative ways to address conservation at the grassroots level. By emphasizing the importance of empowering local heroes the discussion highlights a vital aspect of making conservation initiatives more diverse and equitable.

Register for the conference: https://ampr.gs/3CcgNbC

Conference Agenda: https://bit.ly/3oMGM6p

Anupa's Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erQ2rSh3ULY