Theory of Change
Extinction is forever, and it is also the fate of all living organisms. Reflections evoked by this inevitability and finality demonstrate some of the layers of intellectual, emotional, and moral complexity involved in the field of species conservation. This complexity is further compounded by the fact that conservation law is fragmented and intersects with many other areas of law. It connects with as a multitude of human dimensions such as food sovereignty and security, as well as Indigenous rights. In the end, extinction is not limited to a physical disappearance of a species. It also leads to a loss of evolutionary history and human culture.
Theories of change in conservation rely on addressing key threats. Exploitation, mainly fishing, is the number one threat to marine species. Both large scale industrial, as well as small scale fisheries threaten species that are already at risk through targeted and incidental catch. Habitat loss and degradation due to coastal development and land-based sources of pollution is another significant threat, while invasive species and climate change also contribute to biodiversity declines.
International environmental law, including fisheries agreements and pollution protocols, provides two pathways to influence state and non-state actor behaviour: by altering the calculation of what is in the actor’s best-interest and setting a standard of what is considered to be appropriate conduct. The behavioural norms are set through a combination of binding treaties and non-binding aspirational guidelines. By engaging with state and non-state actors at the law-making forums, SeaLife aims to inform the decision-making and encourage behavioural norms that could lead to sustainable actions.
