Did you know that we’ve explored less than 5% of Earth’s oceans? We certainly didn’t, but renowned aquanaut Fabien Cousteau did, and that’s only a small percentage of the stuff that we learnt from him at the Blue Water EduFest
Before we dive into the enlightening lessons from Fabien Cousteau at the Blue Water EduFest, let’s set the stage for the uninitiated. Imagine a gathering that blends the thrill of a concert with the intellect of a TED Talk, all set against the backdrop of an oceanic wonder.
The Blue Water EduFest is not your average symposium; it’s a celebration of marine exploration, conservation, and the boundless curiosity that propels us to explore the depths of our planet. Blue Water EduFest 2023, organised by ONE15 Events Management, emerged as a beacon of hope and commitment to the conservation of our oceans. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Enterprise Limited, this three-day event transcended the ordinary, encompassing a two-day conference known as “The Ocean Collective Summit”, co-organised by SeaKeepers.
At the heart of Blue Water EduFest is the mission to safeguard the oceans, aptly referred to as the “real lungs” of the Earth. Recognised by the United Nations as a shared heritage, the ocean’s vast and captivating coastlines embody our interconnected existence. The event stands as a powerful platform, bringing together eco-champions to share insights, showcase initiatives, and take decisive action to nurture these majestic realms—the source and summit of all living things.
And who better to guide us through this aquatic odyssey than the charismatic Fabien Cousteau? The renowned aquanaut practically breathes underwater adventure, with a legacy rooted in the oceanic legacy of his equally renowned grandfather, Jacques Cousteau [who co-invented the first successful open-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, {“SCUBA”), called the Aqua-Lung]. So buckle up, because we’re about to plunge into a sea of knowledge that’ll leave you both informed and inspired.
The Blue Water EduFest conference was partly organised by The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre, a non-profit 501(c)(3) founded by Fabien Cousteau in 2016. Fabien, an aquanaut, ocean conservationist, and documentary filmmaker, carries on the legacy of his grandfather, Jacques Cousteau. Growing up aboard the legendary ships Calypso and Alcyone, Fabien learned to scuba dive at the age of four, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to ocean exploration and conservation.
Fabien Cousteau’s work extends beyond traditional boundaries. From collaborating on a television special challenging public attitudes about sharks to producing documentaries like “Mind of a Demon” and participating in the PBS series “Ocean Adventures,” his contributions have been diverse and impactful. However, it’s his dedication to community engagement and education that sets him apart. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in restoring local water ecosystems through initiatives with communities and children worldwide, driven by the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre.
One of Fabien Cousteau’s ambitious projects is PROTEUS, a community of ocean floor analysis stations off Curaçao at a depth of about 20 metres in a marine-protected area. This visionary endeavour aims to create habitats for aquanauts who can reside and work underwater. With front-end engineering set to begin in 2022 and the habitat expected to be on the sea bottom by 2025, PROTEUS exemplifies his commitment to pushing the boundaries of ocean exploration and conservation.
Now, let’s get started on the 10 things we learnt from Fabien Cousteau at the Blue Water Edufest…
- He sees the ocean as his home
He expressed that he never regards the ocean as an office; instead, it is his home, a sentiment he has held throughout his life. Growing up in close proximity to the ocean has granted him the honour and privilege of considering it a kind of maternal sanctuary. This connection instills in him a profound sense of serenity and camaraderie with the oceanic realm. Given his unique perspective, shaped by years and generations of witnessing the changes in the ocean, Fabien acknowledges the scarcity of voices advocating for the ocean on a global scale. Motivated by this realisation, he feels a natural inclination to be one of the voices speaking up for the animals and the environment, entities that often lack representation.
- Limited Exploration of the Ocean
Despite modern technology, we have explored less than 5% of the entire ocean. There is a need for innovative approaches and platforms, such as PROTEUS (number 2!), to allow for extended underwater exploration and research.
Fabien pointed out that we need to shift our perspective from the conventional two dimensions to the three dimensions of ocean exploration. When considering the three dimensions, the ocean encompasses 99% of the world’s living space, housing over 90% of the world’s biodiversity. With a volume of 3.4 billion cubic kilometres and an average depth of 7,000 metres, the ocean presents significant challenges, particularly in regions like the Marianas Trench, which surpass even greater depths.
Highlighting the technological and physiological hurdles involved in exploring such oceanic depths, Fabien acknowledged ongoing efforts in mapping the ocean, albeit primarily from a distance, such as through satellite observations. However, he stressed the irreplaceability of firsthand exploration, stating that while satellites provide valuable data, there is no substitute for physically venturing into these environments.
- What PROTEUS is about
Fabien Cousteau expressed his vision for PROTEUS as the international space station of the ocean, with the capability to accommodate 12 to 18 individuals for extended periods. He envisions this underwater platform as a hub for scientific missions, where researchers can conduct studies on various aspects such as new forms of life, microplastics, coral biochemistry, hydrocarbon pollution, and acidification issues. The objective is to develop technologies to address challenges like excess CO2 absorption and man-made CO2 impacts on oxygen levels. He emphasises the necessity of building underwater stations to enable prolonged stays, citing the importance of leveraging time efficiently for comprehensive exploration.
Fabien believes that these stations should provide creature comforts akin to home while equipping researchers with the necessary tools to explore and understand the ocean as a vital life support system. He sees this approach as logical, fostering the development of new businesses, technologies, and approaches that contribute to a deeper understanding of our environment, enabling the sharing of big data globally, and promoting the future well-being of humanity and other species.
- Conservation efforts are crucial
Conservation efforts are crucial, but they are often underfunded and undervalued. Fabien emphasised the critical importance of conservation efforts, underscoring their essential role. He lamented the prevalent underfunding and undervaluation of conservation in the non-profit sector by those outside the field. In his view, it is imperative for everyone to adopt a conservationist mindset. Not solely driven by a desire to save wildlife and forests, but rooted in the inherent self-preservation of our species. He also argued that embracing a conservationist stance is a natural extension of our self-preserving nature. He highlighted the interconnectedness of our well-being with the health of the entire ecosystem, asserting that a thriving nature leads to a healthier future for humanity.
- Education is not only crucial but fundamental in conservation
From an insightful perspective through the lens of a documentary filmmaker, Fabien says that it is imperative to educate our youth.
In the realm of storytelling, it becomes a delicate balancing act, a judgement call, to craft narratives that resonate. The pitfall to avoid is weaving tales bereft of a hopeful ending. It’s not about a mere happy conclusion, but one infused with hope, as hope propels the drive for change.
The essence lies in recognising the power of narratives to shape our perceptions. Fabien underscores the significance of steering clear of narratives steeped solely in doom and gloom, a reminiscent cautionary tale from the 1980s. The rationale is clear: a narrative devoid of optimism loses the audience’s attention and, consequently, the opportunity to effect positive change.
For him, storytelling through visuals is paramount, a fundamental conduit to engage a wide audience on pertinent issues. However, the true artistry lies in narrating the urgency and challenges in a manner that equips individuals with the tools to drive change. It’s about instilling a sense of agency—a delicate yet crucial equilibrium—to not just tell a story but to empower individuals to be catalysts for change.
- Human impact on ecosystems is profound
This often stems from ignorance rather than malice. He highlighted the misconception that the environment can endure unlimited abuse. The consequences are evident, with approximately 60% of the world’s wild fish stocks depleted due to overconsumption and destructive fishing practices, particularly by industrial haulers and trawlers.
While acknowledging the gradual shift away from these wasteful practices, Fabien stressed that the pace of change falls short of what’s necessary. Balancing the imperative to feed the world with the need for sustainable practices is a critical challenge. He underscored the interconnectedness of our species with the broader ecosystem, emphasising that for humanity to thrive, we must also ensure the thriving of other inhabitants sharing our space.
His message was clear: without a healthy ocean, there is no future for our species. However, he injected optimism into the conversation, pointing to hopeful signs and demonstrating what collective effort can achieve when directed towards positive change.
- Let’s not pass the responsibility
Fabien believes passing the responsibility to others is the wrong approach. He stressed the importance of leading by example as the only way to address the challenges we face. While acknowledging that individual actions may seem insignificant, he compared them to the impact of drops in a bucket, highlighting the cumulative effect.
According to him, demonstrating and leading by example can influence not only individuals but also families, communities, and even entire countries to follow suit. Despite the challenges, he recognised that individuals, as consumers, play a crucial role as decision-makers in the chain. Fabien underscored the need for synergy between government and businesses, emphasising that everyone must contribute to benefit collectively.
He acknowledged the inherent goals and drives of businesses but emphasised that success, whether for businesses, governments, or individuals, necessitates a symbiotic relationship with the planet’s life support system. Fabien also likened the world to a natural resource bank account, cautioning that we are depleting it rapidly. He asserted that there are no bailouts, and the only way forward is to recognise the interdependence of our actions with the health of the planet.
- The environmental crisis calls for quick, collective action
Fabien also talked more about the urgency of addressing environmental issues, stressing that relying solely on the next generation is not an option. In his view, it is crucial to simultaneously educate, encourage, and empower the younger demographic while actively participating in finding solutions. He pointed out that, unlike 20 or 30 years ago, education is now more accessible, particularly at affordable rates. He highlighted the significance of communication as a powerful tool, acknowledging the current state of affairs in the US with a sense of caution.
Despite challenges, he underscored the importance of engaging people and utilising available resources to instil hope, emphasising that real change occurs when hope translates into action—a transformation that is already underway.
- Donations, active participation, and collaboration with NGOs are very much important— and needed
During a fireside chat, Fabien passionately urged people to contribute to local NGOs, emphasising the importance of personal involvement. “Support your local NGOs, especially if you have the means,” he implored, stressing that relying on others is not an option. Recognising the dedicated individuals working for conservation, he underscored that collective action is crucial to altering our trajectory.
Fabien also acknowledged the global challenge, stating, “It takes everyone for us to change the course we’ve set for ourselves.” He highlighted the risk of inaction, particularly among affluent groups, stating that without widespread engagement, our chances of creating a better world are slim.
Expressing personal regret, he lamented the loss of once pristine places, saying, “There are places in the world where I would’ve loved to have brought my 10-year-old daughter to go scuba diving, but unfortunately, they don’t exist anymore. They’ve been wiped from the map.” This poignant observation underscored the urgency of conservation efforts.
- Value of Time
In discussing our most valuable resource—time—Fabien emphasises the universality of its significance. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, he underscores the undeniable fact that each of us possesses a finite amount of time on this planet. The uncertainty surrounding its duration makes it imperative not to overlook any of these precious moments.
He passionately advocates for utilising our time wisely, considering it the ultimate gift. He encourages us to channel our efforts into spending quality time with loved ones and contributing to positive change. While acknowledging the necessity of making a living, he asserts that true fulfilment comes from knowing we’ve optimised our time on Earth.
As we reflect on the insights shared at the Blue Water Edufest, it becomes evident that Fabien Cousteau’s dedication, coupled with the collaborative efforts showcased at the event, paves the way for a more sustainable and responsible future for our oceans.
By the way….
If you found yourself nodding along to every word of this article, get ready for a sonic dive into even more captivating insights! Dive deeper into the ocean of wisdom by tuning in to Fabien Cousteau’s episode on Live Wide Awake, hosted by our founder, Stephanie. Brace yourself for a tidal wave of inspiration in Episode #60, which you can listen to here on Spotify, where Fabien takes you on an immersive journey into the wonders of the deep and so much more.
Your ears are in for a treat – so grab those headphones and dive into the ocean of wisdom with Fabien Cousteau and Stephanie on Live Wide Awake!