In this episode of the Ocean Collaborations podcast, Jan Maisenbacher speaks with Russell Reichelt who is the sherpa of Australias Prime Minister to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Russell was at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice (June 2025) and spoke at several events, including re the 100% Alliance (which Australia now co-chairs with Chile). Russell shares key collaborative takeaways and future opportunities.

This conversation goes beyond policy statements:

* Collaboration for transformation – why partnerships across nations, investors, and NGOs are essential to move beyond incremental change.

* Indigenous knowledge and Pacific realities – how traditional wisdom and frontline island experiences shape better solutions.

* Financing regeneration – new mechanisms that bridge conservation goals with sustainable business and impact investment.

* Pragmatic idealism in action – lessons from Russell’s work with the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy on balancing vision with implementable steps.

* Regenerative tourism – what works in practice, and how to scale without greenwashing.

For professionals striving to accelerate change—whether in NGOs, science, business, or policy—this episode offers both strategic insights and practical inspiration for building coalitions and challenging the status quo. It reminds listeners that transformative impact is possible when courage, innovation, and collaboration meet.

Takeaways

* Underwater heat waves are a significant threat to marine life.

* Collaboration among nations is essential for sustainable ocean management.

* Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in effective ocean conservation.

* Australia and Pacific nations share a strong relationship in ocean management.

* Building trust with Indigenous communities is key to successful partnerships.

* Innovation and creativity are necessary for solving ocean challenges.

* Regenerative tourism can benefit both the environment and local communities.

* Financial mechanisms are needed to support ocean conservation initiatives.

Sound bites

* "Look after the ocean, your lives depend on it."

* "We need to build trust with Indigenous communities."

* "Every individual can contribute to ocean health."

Connect with Russell Reichelt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellreichelt

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SUBSTACK BONUS

As announced in the podcast here are the two video messages from the UNOC Blue zone event from the gouvernment of Australia (a special thank you to coordinate this material goes to Megan Rive from the Australian Sustainable Ocean Plan Taskforce):

Collaboration is key: lessons learned from sustainable ocean management in Australia and the Pacific

Input from Ricky Archers (Head of Australian National Parks):

Input from Murray Watt (Australia’s Minister for the Environment):

These two videos have been part of Australia’s official blue zone side event. It is a high level panel discussion about the importance of collaboration and sharing lessons learned from sustainable ocean management in Australia and the Pacific. Part of this blue zone session also were Dr Filimon Manoni – Pacific Ocean Commissioner, The Hon Surangel Whipps, Jr. – President of Palau, The Hon Alitia Bainivalu, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry - the session was chaired by H.E. Ilana Seid - Palauan ambassador to the United Nations.

If you can share links to additional video material of this important ocean collaboration session please feel free to share in the comments! Please share also your thoughts and reflections on this episode and its bonus material.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com