Alison Swaddling

Adviser, Ocean Governance @The Commonwealth

London, GB

The Ocean and Natural Resources Division assists its member countries to sustainably manage their natural resources, in the ocean and on land, for the benefit of present and future generations.We offer governments legal and technical support to develop policies and laws and strengthen national institutions. http://thecommonwealth.org/oceans-and-natural-resourcesResponsible for:• Managing the Ocean Governance and Maritime Boundary programme • Managing the Deep Sea Minerals Project, and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Project • Providing strategic policy and technical advice and recommendations to Member countries • Conducting reviews and technical analyses of existing policy, legislation and other regulatory instruments• Supporting member country delegations at international fora • Conducting capacity building and stakeholder engagement workshops• Indirectly managing 1 staff (Researcher) • Instructing and supervising the work of contractors• Internal and external communicationsKey Achievements:• Policy and Communications Adviser - 2024 Inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting. • Drafted 4 National Ocean Policies, 2 National Maritime Transport Policies • Assisted Antigua and Barbuda in the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Oceanography and the Blue Economy• Member of the Commonwealth Rapid Response Team assisting Mauritius in the 2020 MV Wakashio oil spill response• Member of the Cook Islands International Expert Panel for applications for offshore exploration licenses• Adviser in the establishment of the Commonwealth Blue Charter• Designed and created the world\'s first online self-paced course on Deep Sea Minerals• Designed and created 2 online databases: ocean-related courses and training, and ocean-related funding sources • Mentor to Acting Director, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Fiji• Mentor to CEO, Petroleum Agency, South Africa

Macleay College

Advanced Diploma of Advertising

James Cook University

Bachelor of Science (Hons 1), Marine Science

Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Arts, Media Communication

University of Sydney

Master's Degree, Environmental Law