Local leadership, healthy oceans
[ABOUT]
Ocean protection boosts local economies
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) enhance fisheries productivity by increasing commercial catches through the "spillover effect". At the same time, sustainable tourism linked to healthy marine ecosystems generates billions in revenue and creates jobs that often outweigh the economic value of fishing. Coastal ecosystem restoration opens new opportunities in the growing blue carbon market, supporting local livelihoods. Additionally, vital habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses protect shorelines and boost climate resilience, helping avoid costly economic losses.
The future of conservation is tech-powered and community-led: AI, data, and innovation to protect our oceans
Alex Muñoz, Director of Vital Oceans
Why do we need more marine protected areas (MPAs)?
Biodiversity loss and climate change are accelerating—and oceans are on the frontline. Marine Protected Areas are essential for restoring ocean health, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and supporting the communities that depend on them.
MPAs help protect marine biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and create the foundation for a regenerative blue economy that works for both people and the planet.
8%
of the ocean is protected
3%
under full or high protection
Less than
1%
of the coastal areas of Latin America are protected
We must support the leadership of local and Indigenous communities to conserve their marine territories—on their terms.
[COMMUNITY-LED MPAs]
Local communities at the forefront of ocean conservation
Studies consistently show that areas managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities have equal or better biodiversity outcomes than areas managed by centralized authorities.
[TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE]
MPA design requires an active participation from local communities and its different groups for it to be accepted and respected.
A healthy ocean is our best ally against climate change
MPAs can protect blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes and kelp forests, which are some of the most effective natural carbon sinks on the planet.
These ecosystems capture and store large amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
When protected, they prevent carbon release caused by their degradation or destruction, usually by human activities.
Tech for the ocean
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AI platforms that optimize conservation decision-making
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Open, accessible data for community-led MPA design
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Legal and governance tools tailored to local contexts
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✨ MPAs enhance fisheries productivity through the spillover effect
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🌍 Drive sustainable tourism and create local jobs
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💵 Unlock blue carbon markets with economic benefits
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🛡️ Protect coastal infrastructure from extreme events
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Capture and store CO₂ through blue carbon ecosystems: mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, and kelp forests
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Act as natural buffers against storms, erosion, and sea-level rise
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Reduce economic losses by increasing community climate resilience
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[THE TEAM]
We all are powering marine
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