Conservation is about collaboration and collaboration is what we are talking about today.
Ocean collaboration is at the heart of many conservation success stories, but what happens when it breaks down? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin talks with Bart Oor, the founder of Balean, a platform created to support independent ocean conservationists by giving them the funding, structure, and digital tools to succeed. They dive into the barriers many changemakers face when working outside of traditional institutional channels and how a lack of communication and community support often holds back ocean progress.
Balean’s mission is to foster a decentralized, human-centered support network for ocean missions. Bart shares how his background in engineering led him to build Balean as a solution to the gaps he witnessed in ocean collaboration. This episode also reflects on Andrew and Bart’s own partnership and how aligned values and open communication can shape stronger ocean solutions. Whether you’re an early-career marine conservationist or a funder looking to empower grassroots initiatives, this conversation is a powerful call to action.
Website: https://www.balean.org/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro: The collaboration problem in ocean conservation
02:10 - Meet Bart Oor and the vision behind Balean
07:20 - Why independent ocean changemakers need more support
12:35 - Bart’s journey from engineer to ocean conservation founder
17:40 - How Balean helps people launch and scale ocean missions
23:15 - Common reasons ocean collaborations break down
28:05 - What makes a strong and healthy conservation partnership
33:00 - Using tech and community to drive ocean impact
38:10 - Real-world examples of empowered conservationists
44:20 - Advice for those starting out in marine conservation
50:30 - Final thoughts: changing how we support ocean solutions
54:45 - Wrap-up and where to learn more about Balean
#oceanconservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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