The ocean has been granted a seat on the board of Scotland's prestigious Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), marking a groundbreaking shift in how institutions approach environmental governance. The 140-year-old organisation, based in Oban, has taken this unprecedented step to formally enshrine the marine environment as a voice in decision-making.
In an effort to address humanity's significant impact on the planet, Professor Nick Owens, SAMS director and marine scientist, drew inspiration from Indigenous cultures' profound connection with nature. This led him to integrate an ethical framework that extends beyond human perspectives into SAMS's governance, ensuring the ocean has a formal voice in decisions shaping its future.
This move is not an isolated instance; it follows similar initiatives taken by companies such as Faith in Nature, which granted nature a formal vote on corporate decisions in 2022. This pioneering approach has led to a cultural shift within the company, with tangible outcomes including prioritising more ethical ingredients. Globally, around 25 organisations across Britain, France, Belgium, the US, and Australia have adopted this strategy, indicating a growing trend.
Implementing such a concept required SAMS to establish a working group that navigated complex legal, scientific, and political considerations. Helen Mitcheson, an environmental lawyer with Pinsent Masons and marine mammal science background, played a pivotal role in these discussions. The working group defined the 'ocean' as a planet-wide entity, encompassing the seabed and airspace, but excluding human activities. Mitcheson, appointed as the ocean's first representative, holds a voice in all decisions without veto power.
Mitcheson reflected on the initial board meeting where she had to intervene after 20 minutes of discussion, highlighting the ongoing effort required to fully embed this new perspective. However, she expressed optimism that her role will ensure environmental factors are considered from the outset of strategic decision-making, ultimately driving fundamental and unpredictable changes within SAMS as it aligns its operations with the marine environment's interests.