Social Accounts Working Group
The Social Account Working Group was established in 2024 to ensure that social, cultural and equity considerations are integrated into ocean accounting
Background
The Working Group provides a structure for diverse individuals and organisations to collaborate on measuring the human dimensions of ocean sustainability.
The Social Accounts Working Group was established by the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) in 2024 to ensure that social, cultural and equity considerations are recognised and accounted for in ocean accounting and decision-making about ocean and coastal development.
Social Accounts are essential for making visible the human dimensions of ocean sustainability.
Social Accounts capture, analyse, and reports data related to how people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods, wellbeing, food security, and cultural practice, recognising that sustainable ocean development must benefit all communities equitably.
Interested in being part of the Working Group?
Complete the sign up form and be part of developing the future for Social Accounts
We aim to
- Support evidence-based policy that recognises the diverse values of the ocean
- Raise awareness of the importance of social, cultural, and equity dimensions in ocean decision-making
- Share expertise and best practices across regions and sectors
- Build capacity and develop knowledge through training, workshops, and resources
- Foster global collaboration through joint research, projects, and knowledge exchange
- Coordinate and implement Social Accounts frameworks for the Ocean globally
- Provide guidance and leadership on Social Accounts research and practice
Organising Committee
Dr Bernice Serwah Ofosu-Baadu
Assistant Chief Statistician
Statistics Ghana, Ghana
Prof Joleen Steyn Jotze
Chief Research Specialist
Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
Prof Kate Barclay
Professor International Studies
University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Dr Tainã (Tai Loureiro) Gonçalves Loureiro
University Lecturer
University of Western Australia, Australia
Rachel Thoms
Research Associate
World Resources Institute, USA
Interested in joining the Working Group?
If you’re interested in joining the Social Accounts Working Group, please complete the sign-up form below.
We invite organisations and individuals to join the group and contribute their expertise and insights through collaborative research, pilot testing, knowledge sharing, and active participation in developing Social Accounts frameworks. Members can engage at the level that suits their capacity, whether through quarterly meetings, focused working groups, data sharing, or leadership roles on the Organising Committee.
By joining, you gain access to a global community of practice, the latest research and methodologies on Social Accounts, capacity-building resources, and networking/opportunities to build collaborations and develop funding applications.
If you have any questions, please reach out to r.shellock@unsw.edu.au from the GOAP Secretariat.