A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health

Area of Science:

• Oceans and Human Health (OHH) research
• Environmental health
• Marine ecosystem resilience

Background:

• Oceans and Human Health (OHH) has emerged as a distinct metadiscipline linking marine ecosystem health with human well-being and community prosperity.
• OHH research aims to improve public health, promote sustainable aquatic resource use, and enhance community resilience.
• Increasing environmental disruptions necessitate a more systematic approach to community engagement in OHH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a strategic framework for community engagement in Oceans and Human Health (OHH) research.
• To support researchers in defining engagement levels and aligning partners, purpose, activities, and approaches.
• To address the need for intentional alignment in community engagement to achieve project goals and avoid negative consequences.

Main Methods:

• Development of a strategic framework by community engagement personnel from four U.S. Centers for Oceans and Human Health (COHH).
• Description of a framework outlining a range of outreach and engagement approaches.
• Emphasis on identifying and intentionally aligning partners, purpose, activities, and approaches.

Main Results:

• The framework provides guidance for defining community engagement levels and ensuring strategic alignment.
• Case studies from COHH illustrate the practical application of the framework.
• Misalignment in engagement can lead to wasted resources, eroded trust, and failure to achieve outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Intentional alignment of partners, purpose, activities, and approaches is crucial for effective community engagement in OHH.
• The presented framework offers a systematic method for researchers to enhance their community engagement strategies.
• Future directions focus on advancing strategic community engagement in OHH and broader environmental health contexts.