Reflecting on 2023

Welcome to a special edition of Planet & Purpose! 

Similarly to how this newsletter was launched earlier this year, I am wrapping up this final edition of 2023 by personally reflecting on this year’s positive ocean developments, major Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) milestones, professional accomplishments over the past 12 months, and acknowledgments for the people who make this newsletter possible.

Come January, we’ll be back with an exciting lineup of new interviews! 

In the meantime, Planet & Purpose will take a brief hiatus as the entire SOA #DreamTeam enters our annual Reflect & Refresh period. I look forward to returning revitalized, recharged, and ready to restore ocean health in 2024! 

Stay tuned, and Happy New Year to all 🩵

In many editions of this newsletter, guest experts have been asked to comment on recent, exciting ocean developments. So in personally reflecting, I wanted to do the same exercise! Over the past 12 months, I’ve written often about these noteworthy ocean breakthroughs: 

MOMENTUM FOR A MORATORIUM ON DEEP-SEA MINING

The international campaign against deep-sea mining has grown from a modest movement of passionate advocates to the predominant position of 24 member States at the International Seabed Authority (ISA)—the governing body responsible for monitoring and regulating deep-sea activity and possible future mining. 

Countries are increasingly calling for a moratorium, ban, or precautionary pause rather than approving a destructive industry that civil society and scientists won’t back. However, pro-mining countries/companies continue to apply pressure on the ISA to adopt a deep-sea mining code. 

Thankfully, SOA—alongside our incredible ISA delegation and partners—are hot on their heels demanding the protection (not exploitation) of our deep sea into 2024 and beyond… 

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the 29th Session at the ISA (ISA29) come March 2024.

NEW SPECIES DISCOVERIES

5,000 new-to-science marine species were discovered this year in the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion Clipperton Zone—pegged as a deep-sea mineral hotspot. This monumental discovery just scratches the surface of what remains to be discovered in the ocean’s depths and drives interest in protecting the deep from destruction.

30X30

Speaking of, this year marked the agreement to, adoption of, and signing of the landmark High Seas Treaty to protect 30% of the ocean (areas beyond national jurisdictions) by or before 2030. 

Read more of my favorite 2023 wins for the ocean, dive into the Biden Administration’s recent Ocean Climate Action Plan, and catch up on the first lawsuit heard by the UN to protect the ocean against the climate crisis.

In addition to major developments for the ocean, 2023 was also a landmark year at SOA.

LAUNCHING THE ECOPRENEUR NETWORK, CLASS OF 2023

This year, SOA introduced the Ecopreneur Network, ushering in a new era at our organization to provide lifetime support for the world's most ambitious for-profit ocean ventures and amplify their efforts in achieving transformative planetary impact.

Now more than ever, we are doubling down on our investment in visionary startup founders and deepening our commitment to elevating and accelerating inspiring ventures. 

We were pleased to identify and announce a promising, 11-startup inaugural Class of 2023 to kickstart our new “ecosystem of lifetime support.”

SOA AT THE INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY (ISA)

Another significant highlight? On July 25, 2023, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our tireless youth leaders and policy team, SOA became the first youth-led organization to receive official Observer Status at the ISA. 

Throughout this year’s meetings, SOA’s delegation delivered interventions, provided transparency into closed-door negotiations, and called for reform of a body seemingly not fit for its stated purpose and mandate: “to safeguard humanity’s shared heritage.”

OUR OCEAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (OOYLS)

Earlier in 2023, SOA had the opportunity to again co-host this impactful, youth-centric summit in cooperation with Our Ocean organizers and with support from Sasakawa Peace Foundation / 公益財団法人 笹川平和財団 .  

We welcomed nearly 80 youth from 45 countries to Panama City where they participated in an intensive, mentor-guided ‘Solutions Sprint’ to devise nature-based solutions to key, ocean impact areas. Another favorite moment was seeing their reactions to a surprise, guest speaker. 

Renowned marine biologist, and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle , shared with young attendees, “We have the chance to say no to deep-sea mining, we have the chance to say yes to the High Seas Treaty... think about the future you want and the power you have."

Rounding out my 2023 reflections, I’m humbled to share a few moments of personal and professional growth from this year.

To start, Sachamama recognized me among the 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action for the second time, and I’m proud to continue being a voice for the Hispanic community, women, and young people. I also had the surreal moment of sitting down with the President and First Lady of my home country, Ecuador, to advocate for ocean protection alongside several Hub Leaders from SOA Ecuador.

Furthermore, I had the exciting opportunity to attend both the TIME100 Gala and TIME CO2’s inaugural Earth Awards, alongside my longtime mentor and supporter, Marc Benioff. Similarly, as an official nominator for the second year running, I attended the Earthshot Awards on behalf of SOA in Singapore. 

Finally, as a proud Hoya, it was a heartwarming and full circle moment to receive the “The Best of Social Impact” Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from my alma mater, Georgetown University . At each gathering, I was inspired by leading voices and innovators from across the globe working to accelerate change for a better future.

A few other honorable mentions:

I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my thanks to TIME for publishing this op-ed on deep-sea mining, co-authored with the President of Palau. Since publishing, 8 new countries have joined the call for a moratorium, precautionary pause, or ban on deep-sea mining: Ireland, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Portugal, Monaco, U.K., and most recently, Mexico.

Last but not least, in 2023 I was published in Dale Carnegie’s new book, Take Command—which is exactly what I encourage YOU to do with your career in 2024. 

Now is the time to make a difference where you are, or transition roles/industries to align your purpose to the planet (we’ll all profit).

Now, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude.

First, to you, the reader. Thank you for following along with the evolution of Planet & Purpose since its April launch! 

My sincere hope is that you’ve absorbed valuable knowledge and advice on a range of topics—from kickstarting your career, to finding and keeping a mentor, putting your best foot forward with investors, effectively fundraising, and starting a profitable business for the planet. Aligned with that, a second shout-out goes to all of the thought-provoking and generous interviewees who’ve shared their insights with this community, in the hopes of contributing to the growth and acceleration of the sustainable blue workforce and economy. 

Looking at how many interviews we did this year (18!), I am overwhelmed with a sense of appreciation and gratitude that I get to work with so many incredible people across specialties in the ocean-climate sector. 

If you missed any editions, here is a full library of this year’s interviews–with LinkedIn tags so you can make sure you’re following each interviewee and their startups/organizations:

• Fighting the Global Plastic Crisis with Aditya Siroya , rePurpose Global
• Driving the Blue Foods Revolution with Michael Selden , Finless Foods
• Educating Tomorrow's Ecopreneurs with Kate Danaher , S2G Ventures
• Unpacking the Sustainable Blue Economy with Tom Birbeck ( ARC Marine® ), Romain Ciarlet ( Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco ), Jordyn Dahl ( LinkedIn News )
• The Power of Collaboration with Courtney Boyd Rey (née Myers) ( AKUA PBC 🍔 🌊 ), Ted Janulis ( Investable Oceans ), Peter Bryant ( Builders Vision )
• Living Plastic Free with John Felts ( Cruz Foam ), Keely Anson ( Incite.org ), Doug Woodring ( Ocean Recovery Alliance )
• World Ocean Month with Kortney Opshaug ( Blue Ocean Gear ), Tom Chi ( At One Ventures ), Dr. Diva Amon (Marine Biologist)
• Ocean Innovation with Sampriti Bhattacharyya ( Navier ), Adam de Sola Pool ( Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ), Phil Plumley (Ocean Solutions Mentor)

Another special thanks goes to the many dedicated team members who were instrumental in getting each edition off the ground. I’m a big believer in giving credit where it’s due, so I want to publicly acknowledge your diligent work behind the scenes:

Geoff King , Shannon Cosentino-Roush , Hannah McFadyen , Helena Janulis , Leslie Nakajima , Ana Yoerg , Rachel Peace , Kimberly Vallée , Sabrina Skelly , and Tara Simpson . 

Please accept my humble appreciation for the time, energy, and resources contributed. It truly takes a village, and SOA’s extensive network of ocean advocates, founders, investors, mentors, and young ocean leaders are collectively invested in inspiring YOU, the promising, idealistic Planet & Purpose reader, to go forth and pivot your career for the planet. 

In the inaugural edition, I shared, 

"My hope for Planet & Purpose is to inspire you, guide your career path, and introduce you to influential figures in our industry who’ll open doors."

I’d be grateful if you’d let us know what we are doing right, and what you’d like to see more (or less of) in the comments. Thank you in advance for your honest input. We are here for YOU!

Moral of the story? 

I don’t do this work alone, and neither should you. 

So, what are you waiting for?

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About Planet & Purpose:

Planet & Purpose is a bi-weekly LinkedIn Newsletter featuring professional insights and personal experiences from ocean and climate ecopreneurs, investors, and advocates brought to you by Daniela V. Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA).