Safeguarding the blue planet: Six strategies for accelerating ocean protection

Abstract

The oceans are facing greater pressures now than at any other time in human history. Marine protected areas (MPAs), nested within a wider approach of ecosystem-based management, have consistently emerged as one of the most important tools in halting the oceans’ decline and promoting their recovery. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Target 11 calls for at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas to be conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas by 2020; unfortunately, most of the Parties are not on track to meet this commitment. To contribute to this effort, this paper details six strategies that can accelerate MPA establishment and create resilient MPA management models around the world. These strategies (build public-private partnerships to change how MPAs are designed and financed; strengthen links between MPAs, local communities and livelihood needs; manage MPAs to enhance carbon stocks and address climate change; act on high seas conservation and initiate MPAs immediately; reframe thinking about the benefits of MPAs; and use technology to connect people with the oceans) can help ensure that the oceans are protected, well managed, and provide livelihood benefits for humanity far into the future.