National Node -
Australia & New Zealand

To achieve our mission, we have set out the following objectives:

1. Needs Assessment: Evaluate and update (as often as required) the specific needs, priorities, and challenges of ECOPs originating from or based in Australia and New Zealand, report these back to the membership, and actively seek solutions.
2. Strengthening the ECOP Australia & New Zealand Network: Build a diverse group of  ECOPs while cultivating relationships with key strategic partners across Australia and New Zealand, including research institutions, industry groups, governmental bodies, NGOs, and indigenous organisations, among others.
3. Engagement, Networking, and Knowledge Sharing: Create opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing between ECOPs within the Node  and with the Global ECOP network through various platforms and events, including virtual and in-person gatherings.
4. Capacity Building: Create and promote development opportunities for our members through online webinars, in-person training, workshops, and other professional activities, as well as strive to inform them of external opportunities (e.g., the ECOP Programme Opportunities Database).
5. Enhance cross-sectoral cooperation: Create opportunities for ECOPs in academia, industry, philanthropy, government, and indigenous communities to work together to fulfill the goals and needs of ECOPs in the region and to advance the Ocean Decade’s vision of ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’
6. Implement a leadership pipeline: Help develop a cohort of ocean leaders through progressive involvement with the ECOP Node. We start with (1) an initial engagement for ECOPs to discover opportunities and connect with peers, then (2) facilitate skill-building through training, collaboration, and mentoring, follow with (3) a call to participate in projects and initiatives and to represent the Node at conferences, and (4) provide the opportunity to develop and lead activities, including by joining the Node’s coordination team. These steps are designed to ultimately facilitate the transition of ECOPs into Node leadership and impactful roles across all ocean sectors.
7. Champion ECOPs: Support the professional promotion of ECOPs from or residing in Australia and New Zealand via Node-specific and Global ECOP campaigns.
8. First Nations Partnership and Leadership: Promote and integrate Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori knowledge, perspectives, and leadership in ocean science and management. Foster meaningful partnerships that respect and uplift traditional ecological knowledge, spiritual, and cultural practices related to the ocean.