Photo of mountains in the water while the sun is setting

CLIENT NEED

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and Fish and Game Commission, is conducting the first 10-year review of California’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.

STRATEGY

Strategic Earth is supporting the state to design and implement an outreach strategy to communicate and connect with California’s ocean community about the MPA Decadal Management Review (Review). Working with OPC and CDFW, together with a network of Key Communicators, our team is building a two-way engagement strategy to help raise awareness and manage expectations ahead of the review. Additionally, we are working with California Native Nations to help inform the development of the Decadal Management Review report.

Strategic Earth will support the state’s engagement with Native Nations and the ocean community by identifying communication channels, distilling information about the Decadal Management Review, and planning and facilitating virtual events. The Steering Committees will provide feedback at key stages, to result in an outreach strategy that can adapt in real-time to community needs and perspectives.

KEY RESULTS & OUTCOMES

Improved public understanding and awareness of California’s first Decadal Management Review of the MPA network, including understanding of the agencies’ roles in MPA policy, management and regulation. Tried and tested outreach methods and relationships that will support the agencies’ engagement around MPAs that extends beyond 2022.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT DETAILS

Client: The Ocean Protection Council (OPC)

Project Duration: Spring 2021 – Spring 2023

Materials and Outputs: Engagement strategies, Key Communicators Steering Committee, public virtual engagement events, iterative two-year work plan, presentations, public summaries, and final “Lessons Learned” reports for both internal (agency) and public audiences

Website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Management/Decadal-Review

Photo credit: Calla Allison

SERVICES

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

GOAL SETTING AND MANAGEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS

ITERATIVE PROGRAM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION & REPORTING

MATERIALS AND MESSAGING DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT COORDINATION & MANAGEMENT

MEETING DESIGN & FACILITATION

REPORT WRITING

TECHNICAL WRITING