Today is World Oceans Day. This year World Oceans Day is growing the global movement to call on world leaders to protect 30% of our blue planet by 2030. This critical need is called 30×30. By safeguarding at least 30% of our ocean (and let’s be honest, that’s not such a big ask!) through a network of highly protected areas we can help ensure healthier homes for all.
The world faces a global emergency over its oceans, with scientists warning that we face a mass extinction of marine life unless 30% of global ocean space is placed within MPAs (Marina Protected Areas) by 2030. According to MPA Atlas, only 4.8% of the world’s oceans are currently protected in actively managed protected areas.
A MPA is an area of ocean especially dedicated to the protection of biodiversity, and cultural resources & activities, managed with the local community. MPAs include marine parks, nature reserves and locally managed marine areas that protect reefs, seagrass beds, shipwrecks, archaeological sites, tidal lagoons, mudflats, saltmarshes, mangroves, rock platforms, underwater areas on the coast and the seabed.
One of the most successful MPA stories resides in Rajat Ampat (West Papua). The enormously biodiverse area (it’s sometimes referred to as a species factory!) is composed of seven MPAs managed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in partnership with local communities and support from international NGOs.
You can learn more about it by watching the Tales by Light episode with @shawnheinrichs and how sustainable protection has been implemented here.