In this hybrid event, FAO, Duke University, and WorldFish will launch the Illuminating Hidden Harvests: The contributions of small-scale fisheries to sustainable development report, which assesses the current environmental, economic, gender, food security and nutrition, and governance dimensions of small-scale fisheries globally.

The idea of the “blue economy” is compelling—and contested. On one hand, there is growing enthusiasm for using the oceans’ resources to grow economies and improve livelihoods while maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. On the other hand, the acceleration of ocean-based economic activity threatens to overwhelm increasingly vulnerable environments and communities. This is particularly important for small-scale fishing communities, which is likely the oceans’ largest source of livelihoods.

John Virdin, Director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Program, will speak about the Plastics Policy Inventory as part of the "UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge – Applied Solutions" panel during Plastics and Marine Pollution: Innovations for SDG 14.1, a UN Ocean Conference side event.

The global economy relies heavily on healthy coastal and ocean resources for diverse industries such as fishing, tourism and recreation, minerals, and transportation. Nearly one out of every six jobs in the U.S. depends on the blue economy, while fish protein is an essential part of diets in coastal communities around the world. Moreover, the ocean plays a central role in regulating the Earth's climate but is often overlooked in conversations about climate change.

Duke students, join John Virdin, on the often-hidden role that small-scale fisheries play in societies worldwide and the threats they face in an increasingly crowded ocean.

Are current global policies enough to rid the world of its plastic crisis? How far are our governments from implementing immediate and long-term solutions to sustainably managing plastic waste?

Learn about the updated global landscape of plastics policy on the subnational, national, and international levels as UNDP ocean innovator Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions launches the inaugural State of Plastics Policy Report.  

Small-scale fisheries are one of the oldest and still most prevalent ocean uses and food production systems. However, their contributions to society have been difficult to measure and often underappreciated by decision-makers. Here we share some of the preliminary findings of the Illuminating Hidden Harvests assessment of the contributions of small-scale fisheries to sustainable development, led by FAO, WorldFish and Duke University.

A “first-look” at some key findings from the upcoming Illuminating Hidden Harvest (IHH) report.

This deep dive session at the RI Canada 2021 conference will explore how Canada’s oceans expertise can support global sustainable investing in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and new technology areas. John Virdin, director of the Nicholas Institute's Ocean and Coastal Policy Program, will be among the speakers.

In this session, John Virdin, director of the Nicholas Institute's Ocean and Coastal Policy Program, will introduce participants to international institutions and discuss what they do and how they differ from each other. Institutions covered will include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

John Virdin, Director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Program, is among the panelists for "The Anthropocene Ocean" on January 27.

Hosted by the UK Government and Common Seas, this event will explore findings of two seminal publications on solutions to the plastics pollution crisis and discuss the relevance of these to the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and our collective efforts to tackle marine plastics.

Hosted by the UK Government and Common Seas, this event will explore findings of two seminal publications on solutions to the plastics pollution crisis and discuss the relevance of these to the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and our collective efforts to tackle marine plastics.

This entirely student-led conference aims to bring together students, practitioners, and faculty to collectively explore the links, trade-offs, and tensions at the nexus of climate change, oceans, and coastal ecosystems.

The United Nations Environmental Programme life cycle team is currently progressing single-use plastic products work (UNEA4/Res 9) leading up to UNEA5. As part of this activity, UNEP is launching a webinar series running every Tuesday this October.

The Nicholas Institute is hosting a pair of webinars to discuss the state of government policy responses to plastic pollution and a recent Duke University analysis of those responses.

As the school year comes to a close, the Nicholas Institute is hosting a virtual social hour for Duke students. Join Institute professionals to chat about advice for starting a career in environmental or energy policy, how to search for a job or internship, or anything else that is on your mind.