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Edinburgh Reporter

Coastal Perspectives in the Marine World: From Scotland to Bangladesh

Lothians MSP, Foysol Choudhury recently visited 'Finding the Balance; Perspectives on Marine Protection', a presentation by the University of Edinburgh and SRUC postgraduate students. He reflects here on the partnership and how it affects everyone in the world. He is chair of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh, where there are 'similar climate induced struggles'. 'The Public Participation in Policy class at The University of Edinburgh has partnered with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to carry out a project to engage the Scottish public in discussions about inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with a group of postgraduate students presenting their research at the Scottish Parliament. 'The students conducted a series of interviews with aims to explore people's relationships with the sea, gaining insights into public knowledge and views on inshore MPAs, and ultimately translate these perspectives into policy recommendations. Their presentation was quite compelling and focused on people's true connections to the sea and its use. 'It is crucial to shine a spotlight on Scotland's marine environment and the deep connection its people share with the sea, as it plays a vital role in the economy and the lives of many coastal communities. With consultations and legislation like the National Marine Plan 2 under review, gaining diverse stakeholder perspectives is essential, particularly about inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to fully understand how these measures will affect coastal communities and their way of life. Research has revealed a significant gap in marine protection governance between policymakers and the public. This disconnect comes from limited access to reliable information, distrust in decision- making processes, and unequal power dynamics. 'Small-scale fishers feel excluded from policy discussions, perpetuating the perception that these policies favour more powerful interests. Yet, the strong public enthusiasm for marine protection offers a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps through more inclusive and participatory governance. 'The health of our marine environment and the impacts of the climate crisis are interconnected challenges that transcend borders, affecting coastal communities worldwide, from Scotland to Bangladesh. 'As the chair of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh, I recognise the importance of addressing these challenges. Bangladesh, with its extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, faces some of the most severe impacts of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion have placed immense pressure on the livelihoods of millions who depend on the marine environment. 'Despite contributing only a fraction to global emissions, Bangladesh ranks among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, with projections indicating that up to 18 million people could be displaced by rising seas by 2050. Coastal communities, particularly small-scale fishers, are at the forefront of this crisis, grappling with the loss of arable land, declining fish stocks, and frequent natural disasters. 'By fostering local participation, incorporating traditional knowledge, and ensuring equitable power- sharing in marine governance, Bangladesh can strengthen its resilience against climate-induced challenges. 'The parallels between Scotland's and Bangladesh's marine struggles highlight the universal need for inclusive and transparent governance. By learning from each other's experiences, both nations can work towards protecting their marine environments while empowering the communities that depend on them.' Like this: Like Related