Saving the world is simple, right? Pro-ocean policies to save coral reefs

The Center for the Blue Economy presents: Saving the world is simple, right? The novel integration of science, social enterprise and pro-ocean policies to save coral reefs

Speaker: Mr. Christopher LaFranchi, Founder and CEO, OneReef

Event Information:

Tuesday, October 24

6:00pm-7:30pm

McGowan Building, Room 102

Part of the Ocean and Coastal Resource Management Lecture Series

Free, open to the public, no registration required

Related website: http://centerfortheblueeconomy.org/speaker-series

About the Topic: This talk will explore OneReef, a social enterprise that works with local communities, Pacific Island Presidents, and technology-wielding scientists to protect healthy coral reefs and recover nearshore fisheries. We will review OneReef’s model and history, and explore inspiring and frustrating aspects of work that is breathtakingly simple and infinitely complex. Expect unvarnished accounts of what it has taken to get this far. We will examine the hard parts that are impossible to ignore and current prospects. Our discussion is sure to embolden (or disabuse) anyone harboring visions of social entrepreneurial stardom.

About the Speaker: Chris founded OneReef in 2012 to create direct impact through locally controlled coral reef conservation. As CEO, he has been principally responsible for fundraising, organizational vision and design, and negotiating agreements with Micronesian communities who own coral reefs and are committed to conservation goals and adaptive management strategies. He has lived in Africa and Indonesia, and performed field work in at least 12 countries, building extensive experience in community engagement, environmental policy, and diplomatic work. His former work with the World Bank, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the marine science community provides a wealth of knowledge in global conservation. Chris has an M.S. in natural resource economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a B.S. in biology and technical journalism from Oregon State University. In 2015, he was nominated for the Pew Fellowship in Marine Science.

Lecture Location: The McGowan Building is located at 411 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, on the campus of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Attendees will enter through the glass doors from Pacific street, and room 102 is located inside to the right. The McGowan Building is indicated as #20 on the campus map.

Parking: Parking is available in any Middlebury Institute campus lot after 5pm or on the street (time limits on surrounding streets end at 6pm).

Questions: Contact Rachel Christopherson at the Center for the Blue Economy at cbe@miis.edu or 831-647-6615 x1.