Blue Parks

When designed well and managed effectively, marine protected areas (MPAs) are effective conservation tools that can revitalize ecosystems and build their resistance and resilience to climate impacts. However, most MPAs are not set up to succeed. The science indicates that we need to effectively protect at least 30% of global ocean in order to safeguard biodiversity, and the United Nations has adopted this target. While the coverage target is critical to success, we need to dramatically accelerate MPA quality as well.

 

Marine Conservation Institute launched the Blue Parks initiative to incentivize science-informed standards for MPA effectiveness. The Blue Park Award Criteria inform the MPA efforts of communities, managers, and decision-makers. The Awards accelerate high-quality MPA coverage. Our team supports progress toward the standard in our Blue Spark collaborations with local ocean advocates. Through incentive, scientific guidance, and collaboration, Blue Parks improves MPA quality globally.