Format
The inaugural Tiaki Moana (March 2025) was a Summit & Workshop with an ‘unconference’ format.
An ‘unconference’ is a type of informal, participant-driven event that emphasises open discussion and collaboration over formal presentations and scheduled sessions. Unlike traditional conferences, where the agenda is set by organisers and speakers, unconferences allow attendees to contribute to the agenda, lead discussions, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
Key features of an unconference typically include:
Participant-Driven Agenda: Attendees propose and vote on session topics at the start of the event, often in a “marketplace” or “barcamp” style, where anyone can suggest and lead a session.
Flexible Format: The event is usually structured with open time slots for discussions, workshops, or activities, rather than a rigid schedule.
Collaborative Atmosphere: Emphasis is placed on collaboration, interaction, and sharing of knowledge among participants rather than top-down presentations from experts.
Informal Setting: The environment is often more casual and less formal than traditional conferences, fostering open communication and creativity.
Unconferences are popular collaborative approaches to problem-solving and learning are highly valued.
The goal of this workshop was to discuss how to recognise, designate, and report back on marine OECMs in the Pacific region. Participants shared their stories, challenges, and successes.
The key objective was to provide valuable information while finding incentives for site managers to start a marine OECM designation process. Key issues revolved around governance, legislation, finance, principal criteria, data management, human resources, traditional knowledge, and innovative tools.
The workshop subsequently created a regional group of practice, while identifying a preliminary picture of opportunities and recommendations, to increase marine OECM coverage.
