HEALTHY OCEAN
THRIVING COMMUNITIES
BRIGHTER FUTURES
WHY PROTECT
THE OCEAN?
The ocean is an indispensable resource and holds the key to addressing numerous global challenges.
It provides us with numerous benefits:
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Oxygen, food and medicine
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Jobs and livelihoods
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Climate Resilience
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Sustainable Economies
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Preservation of Culture
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Biodiversity
If we want to sustain these benefits for future generations, we need to act now to protect and sustainably manage the ocean. By safeguarding the ocean and its resources, we can ensure thriving communities and brighter futures for all.
OUR
VISION
HEALTHY OCEAN
A healthy ocean is vibrant, diverse and well-functioning.
THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Every living being relies on a healthy ocean.
BRIGHTER FUTURES
Our decisions today determine the success of future generations.
BLUE PROSPERITY
Sustainable ocean management that works in harmony with economic growth and innovation, fisheries management, and ocean protection so that people, nature, and the economy can thrive.
HOW DO WE
GET THERE?
We must take an integrated and holistic approach to ocean management to create a system that benefits environments, economies and communities. Evidence shows that communities who live near Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have better food security and greater household wealth.
Marine protection aims to protect the integrity of the whole ecosystem, not just a single species or habitat. Our ocean environment needs to remain healthy and intact to support livelihoods, jobs and food security.
Strategic planning and implementation of MPAs can yield remarkable benefits for the planet: increased biodiversity, more seafood and a reduction in atmospheric carbon levels.
Research consistently demonstrates that protecting areas of the ocean can actually benefit overfished reefs. Studies have also found that large MPAs can lead to bigger catches for fishers.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPA)
Agreed upon areas in the ocean where human activities are limited.
The most effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are fully protected or “no-take” and prohibit extractive use (fishing, mining, etc.) to give marine life a chance to rebound and regenerate.
HOW CAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS BENEFIT COMMUNITIES, ENVIRONMENTS AND ECONOMIES?
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Restoring and protecting critical marine ecosystems
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Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage
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Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
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Maintaining marine biodiversity
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Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
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Protecting unique geologic features
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Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
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Increasing revenue for tourism and ocean-related businesses
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Increasing job opportunities in ocean industries
THE
FUTURE
Island nations are at the forefront of marine protection and sustainable ocean management, with their local leaders forging a path for the rest of the world to follow. These island communities are setting an example and creating the roadmap for global ocean stewardship.