Blue Parks: Accelerating Effective Ocean Conservation

The Blue Park Standard sets a global benchmark for what effective marine protection requires: strategic design, equitable governance, strong protection, evidence-based management, compliance, and capacity. The reality is that most marine protected areas (MPAs) fall short of that bar. Blue Parks is a global initiative working to improve conservation quality alongside quantity, building a representative, connected network of protection that revitalises ecosystems and recovers wildlife. The Blue Park Awards uses the Standard to encourage decision-makers to raise the bar, while celebrating and elevating successful conservation efforts worldwide. This webinar brings together Marine Conservation Institute, members of the Blue Parks Science Council, and awarded Blue Park managers for an in-depth discussion of how the initiative is driving meaningful progress toward strategically protecting at least 30% of the ocean. Presenters: Sarah Hameed, Jessica MacCarthy, and Leticia de Bonilla (Marine Conservation Institute); Ratana Chuenpagdee (Memorial University of Newfoundland); Rodolphe Devillers (IRD); and Maylin Mora Arias and Yareth Ledezma (Cahuita National Park).

Time: 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT / 4:00 PM UTC / 6:00 PM CEST

What to Expect

• In-depth look at the Blue Park Standard and its six criteria
• Perspectives from Marine Conservation Institute, the Blue Parks Science Council, and awarded Blue Park managers
• Case studies from Cahuita National Park and other recognised Blue Parks
• Discussion of progress toward the global 30% ocean protection target

Cost: Free