Marine Conservation Institute

A Shared Vision for Our Ocean Today, we reflect with gratitude on the ocean's essential role in sustaining life on Earth. From regulating our planet’s climate to supporting vibrant marine ecosystems, the ocean is the heartbeat of our blue planet. ?? Thanks to donors like you, we’ve safeguarded over 3.5 million km2 of ocean through initiatives like Blue Parks and Blue Sparks—protecting biodiversity, restoring marine habitats, and empowering coastal communities to build sustainable livelihoods. Your partnership inspires hope and drives meaningful action to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030. Together, we are shaping a thriving, resilient future for our planet. Watch our heartfelt message of gratitude for our community of ocean protectors: https://lnkd.in/g46_pmxD #MarineConservation #OceanProtection #30x30

A Vision for Our Ocean Imagine oceans teeming with life, where marine protected areas (MPAs) restore biodiversity, ensure sustainable livelihoods, and help people and nature thrive together. Blue Parks With 30 Blue Parks across 22 countries, Marine Conservation Institute’s flagship program has created a global network of interconnected, world-class marine reserves, safeguarding 3.5 million km2 of ocean—an area larger than India’s landmass. These protected areas deliver measurable biodiversity gains and drive real conservation benefits for ecosystems and the communities counting on them. Blue Sparks Community-led MPAs, like Mozambique’s Inhambane Bay, working toward Blue Park status by blending traditional knowledge with modern science to create sustainable solutions for both nature and people. This Giving Tuesday, join the mission to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come. Support the Ocean Today: https://lnkd.in/g8BThjFv #OurOceanVision #GivingTuesday #MarineConservation #BlueParkStandard #BlueParks #BlueSparks #30x30

Cabo Pulmo: A Blue Spark Success Story Cabo Pulmo National Park, recognized as a Blue Spark by Marine Conservation Institute, is a global model for marine conservation. Featured in this compelling Climate Champions article, the park’s story highlights the extraordinary efforts of its local community, led by Judith Castro, to restore a 20,000-year-old coral reef from devastation. Once overfished and damaged, Cabo Pulmo’s marine ecosystem has rebounded spectacularly over the last 29 years, becoming a haven for vibrant coral, thriving fish populations, and returning species like tiger and bull sharks. The park has not only revived marine life but also transformed the local economy, demonstrating the power of conservation and community leadership. Read the full story:? https://lnkd.in/gQiF6VVY Marine Conservation Institute’s Blue Sparks partnerships help communities like Cabo Pulmo protect their oceans. By blending traditional knowledge with modern science, we support stronger protections and guide these areas toward meeting the Blue Park standard. #CaboPulmo #BlueSpark #MarineConservation #OceanProtection #CommunityLeadership #30x30

?? Join us at the San Diego Environmental Film Festival this Saturday, November 23! Catch the screening of "The Blue Quest Palawan" at 7:50 PM PST, followed by an engaging panel discussion at 8:30 PM featuring Dr. Lance Morgan, President of Marine Conservation Institute, and other experts. The award-winning documentary, directed by Clément Pourtal and Jér?me Brousse, explores marine conservation efforts in Palawan, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines' Coral Triangle, often called the country's "last ecological frontier". It highlights the work of organizations like the Sulubaai Environmental Foundation, C3 Philippines, and the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, showcasing community-driven initiatives aimed at preserving marine biodiversity. Don’t miss this inspiring event! ?? UCSD Suraj Israni Cinematic Arts Building ??? Details and tickets: sdeff.org https://lnkd.in/eE6GFcK4 #SDEFF2024 #BlueQuestPalawan #OceanConservation #MarineBiodiversity #FilmFestival

A big thank you to the Jack London Yacht Club and the Glen Ellen community for their generous $1,000 grant to Marine Conservation Institute. This grant supports our mission to protect the ocean’s most important places by empowering communities, raising awareness, and inspiring future generations to safeguard marine life. Together, we’re driving real impact for our planet’s ocean. #JackLondonYachtClub #MarineConservation

Blue Parks in Action: How Small Grants Make Big Waves for Ocean Protection Across the globe, local marine protected area (MPA) managers are the first line of defense against threats to our ocean. Our 2023 Blue Park Small Grants helped empower these local stewards to address urgent challenges, from pollution and climate change to sustainable tourism and community engagement. Discover stories from the field—like the newly equipped rangers at Apo Reef in the Philippines, community-driven mangrove restoration in Colombia, and environmental education initiatives in Chile. Each grant brings us one step closer to resilient oceans and thriving biodiversity. Read the full article to see how these grants have made an impact, and consider supporting Blue Park Small Grants to fuel future conservation projects: https://lnkd.in/g_c6fWsc Blue Park Small Grants are powered by Blue (Blue.ngo). #BlueParks #MarineConservation #BlueParkAward?#MPAs #30x30

Explore the Ocean Pavilion at COP29 – Solutions for Our Blue Planet! Marine Conservation Institute is excited to share that the Ocean Pavilion is currently underway at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024. The Pavilion brings together global leaders in ocean science, engineering, and policy, all dedicated to advancing the message that the ocean is critical in combating climate change and supporting a sustainable future. The Ocean Pavilion themes include: Ocean Justice & Equity – Ensuring fair access to ocean resources and protection for vulnerable communities. Ocean Life & Biodiversity – Preserving critical marine ecosystems in the face of climate change. Blue Resilience & Adaptation – Strengthening coastal resilience to meet the challenges of a changing ocean. Program: https://lnkd.in/gkPeWEAP Join us in supporting the critical role of ocean health in climate solutions. #OceanPavilion #COP29 #MarineConservation #ClimateAction #BlueEconomy

Applications just opened for the High Seas Youth Ambassadors program! EarthEcho International and High Seas Alliance are teaming up to equip young ocean advocates, ages 17-22, from key regions around the world with the training and resources needed to lead innovative campaigns to advance #HighSeasTreaty ratification. Apply to help ensure this global treaty becomes law and enables the protection of ocean biodiversity in international waters ?? www.bit.ly/HighSeas-Apply #GenSea #RaceforRatification

From Pledges to Protection: MCI Leads the Charge for Our Oceans Released just before COP16, the "On Track or Off Course?" report drove urgent discussions and widespread media coverage at the summit. Commissioned by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Ocean Fund and developed with Marine Conservation Institute, SkyTruth, and Campaign for Nature, the report highlights the need to shift from symbolic pledges to real action in ocean protection. The findings—only 2.8% of the world’s oceans effectively protected and 8.3% designated for protection—reveal a significant gap between commitments and actual safeguards. Based on Marine Conservation Institute’s research and published in Conservation Letters, the analysis led by Beth Pike, Director of the Marine Protection Atlas, sets a benchmark for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and stresses the need for meaningful, quality protection. Beth Pike’s words capture the urgency of the findings: “Less than 3% of marine areas are truly protected. The gap between promise and action is huge. We need real change now, not just words on paper.” These are some of the news articles that mention MCI research: ? NPR: https://lnkd.in/gvwwXFGB ? The Guardian: https://lnkd.in/g-d_bd-M ? Down to Earth: https://lnkd.in/gizZJ2en ? France24: https://lnkd.in/gfrbdc3m ? Yahoo News: https://lnkd.in/gyw_tgfT As we reflect on COP16, it’s clear that Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework isn’t just about protecting more ocean—it’s about protecting it well. Marine Conservation Institute is advancing this vision by setting standards for MPAs that fulfill its essential requirements: ? Effective management ? Equitable governance ? Inclusiveness ? Conservation outcomes Instead of a rush to expand protected areas, we must ensure the most critical areas for nature receive lasting, impactful protection. #30x30 #OceanConservation #MarineProtectedAreas #COP16 #BiodiversityProtection

A Milestone for Indigenous Voices in Conservation at COP16! COP16 closed with a historic decision to establish a permanent body that empowers Indigenous communities to directly advise on global conservation. For the first time, Indigenous perspectives will be woven into decision-making, recognizing the critical role their knowledge plays in preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. This groundbreaking measure didn’t come without challenges. While funding plans for species protection remain unresolved, a separate agreement was reached to create a fund that channels profits from genetic resources back to Indigenous and local communities—a vital step toward equitable conservation. Dive deeper into how COP16 is reshaping biodiversity protection for a more inclusive and sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/gpYC-6Fb #COP16 #IndigenousRights #Conservation #Biodiversity #ClimateAction