CHOW 2024: Gullah/Geechee Nation & Goldwater bring Afro-/Indigenous Perspectives on 'Community Environmental Stewardship' to CHOW Main Stage

Washington, D.C., June 13, 2024 – On June 5, 2024, Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) witnessed an enriching and insightful main-stage event titled "Community Environmental Stewardship," featuring profound Afro-/Indigenous perspectives brought forth by the Gullah/Geechee Nation and Goldwater Ventures. This session was a significant part of CHOW 2024, a premier annual conference that brings together policymakers, scientists, conservation leaders, educators, and the public to address pressing issues affecting our oceans and Great Lakes.

The Importance of Local and Indigenous Leadership in Conservation

The panel emphasized the longstanding relationships that local communities maintain with their natural resources and the challenges they face due to environmental changes and regulatory shifts. The discussion highlighted how community stewardship can lead to more durable partnerships and equitable conservation strategies, particularly in non-western and post-colonial contexts. By centering on local experience and indigenous knowledge, these efforts can effectively address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Panel Insights and Contributions

Moderated by Ayana Melvan, Director of Conservation Action at the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, the session brought together a distinguished panel, each offering unique and invaluable insights into community stewardship's ecological, cultural, and historical dimensions.

Queen Quet Marquetta L. Goodwine, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and Founder of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, provided a profound cultural and historical perspective. She articulated the deep connections of the Gullah/Geechee people to their land and waterways, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the Blake Plateau and its role as a nautical highway during the Middle Passage. Queen Quet stressed the importance of recognizing and preserving the cultural heritage embedded in these waters. She discussed her ongoing efforts to engage the community in environmental conservation, including initiatives like the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative, where she partners with Pew Charitable Trusts.
W. Rufus Arnold, Council Member of the Makah Tribal Council, spoke about the Makah people's whaling practices and how their subsistence lifestyle is rooted in a deep respect for marine life. He highlighted their practices' spiritual and cultural significance and the importance of maintaining these traditions while balancing ecological sustainability.
Chief Atuatasi Lelei Peau, Superintendent of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, provided insights into the Samoan culture of respect and service. He explained how these cultural values are integrated into managing their marine sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of communal decision-making and ecosystem management rooted in Samoan traditions.
Sean MacDuff, Ph.D, Superintendent of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, discussed the challenges of making deep-sea ecosystems accessible and engaging to local communities. He shared experiences of how small-scale initiatives, like setting up aquarium displays in local libraries, can significantly impact community awareness and stewardship.
Philip Church, Oswego County Administrator, elaborated on nominating and designating the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. He emphasized the importance of community buy-in, education, and the role of local leaders in fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship for the sanctuary.

Highlighting the Need for Community Engagement

Heather Ludemann, Ocean Program Officer at The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, opened the session by emphasizing the need to integrate indigenous and local knowledge into conservation strategies. Joel R. Johnson, President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Jeff Corwin, an Emmy-winning biologist and wildlife conservationist, further introduced the importance of storytelling and community engagement in ocean conservation efforts.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists shared their diverse experiences and perspectives, illustrating the vital role that local communities play in effective environmental stewardship. They emphasized the need to respect and incorporate these communities' cultural values and traditional knowledge to achieve more sustainable and equitable conservation outcomes.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The session concluded with a consensus on the necessity of a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to protecting marine environments that centers local and indigenous leadership. The panelists highlighted the importance of integrating scientific research with cultural heritage preservation and community engagement. They called for continued advocacy and policy efforts to ensure the long-term protection of these invaluable marine ecosystems.

Goldwater Ventures' Commitment

At Goldwater Ventures, we are committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of Afro-/Indigenous communities in conservation efforts. Our partnership with the Gullah/Geechee Nation exemplifies our dedication to safeguarding cultural and environmental heritage. By advocating for the recognition and protection of significant areas like the Blake Plateau, we honor the sacred histories and ecological wisdom of the Sea Islands.

In the words of A. Prince Albert III, President and Founder of Goldwater Ventures:

We are proud of our deep and abiding partnership with the Gullah/Geechee Nation, and our esteemed membership in the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. As we look to the future, Goldwater Ventures will continue championing the integration of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. I am Afro/Indigenous, and I intimately know that culure, psirituality, and environmental stewardship have never been seperate for us. They are one. That is why we partner with Afro/Indigenous communities and thge largest social good entities. Because we know that empowering local and indigenous communities is crucial to creating sustainable and resilient conservation strategies. Together, communities and large partners like the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and government entities like NOAA, the EPA, and our other trusted partners, can help save our planet.

For more information about our initiatives and partnerships, please visit our website and stay tuned for upcoming events and updates.

Conclusion

CHOW 2024's main stage event on "Community Environmental Stewardship" was a testament to the power of local and indigenous leadership in conservation. The insights shared by the panelists underscored the urgent need for inclusive and respectful approaches to environmental stewardship. At Goldwater Ventures, we are proud to be part of this vital conversation and remain dedicated to supporting the communities we serve.