Progress Against the
Five Transformations Pillars

Analysis shows encouraging progress in advancing the ocean equity principles across the Ocean Panel members, though some areas need further attention to fully realise an equitable and inclusive sustainable ocean economy.  All countries assessed have made at least some progress towards transparent business practices, while Indigenous and coastal communities’ rights and women’s engagement in ocean activities have high proportions of countries that have made at least some progress. In the figure, the ‘not applicable’ designations for women’s engagement in ocean activities and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples may reflect that some nations do not separate out protected characteristics, have distinct Indigenous populations or legally recognise their local communities as Indigenous (see Appendix C: Methodology).

Many Ocean Panel countries have been making great strides in advancing ocean equity and justice. For example, under the guidance of the Australian environment minister’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, the government established a dedicated national First Nations Sustainable Ocean Reference Group to provide strategic advice on culturally appropriate and respectful engagement with First Nations people in the development of the country’s Sustainable Ocean Plan. This led to a series of inclusive, strengths-based and culturally responsive consultations with First Nations participants. The Australian government also delivered joint consultations and attended other First Nations forums to complement dedicated ocean-planning engagement activities. The United States’ ‘Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Connaissances’ and Ocean Justice Strategy serve as another strong example. The White House engaged more than a thousand individuals, organisations and Tribal Nations on how Indigenous knowledge should be elevated in federal decision-making.