Yesterday we came across the term Marine Protected Area (MPA) several times as a proposed solution to the declining health of our ocean. Today, we'll learn more about the actual benefits of these MPAs and to understand why they are the basis of 30x30.

First, let's refresh these terms ➡️

What is 30x30? Protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030

Did you know, that countries around the world previously committed to protecting 10% of the ocean by 2020 as part of the 'Aichi Target'? Unfortunately, this goal was missed and currently, less than 3% of the ocean is considered fully protected... However, this year at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the world will consider 30x30, an updated goal supported by the IUCN to protect at least 30% of the world's land and waters by 2030.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2oNrX_ZFE8

⬅️ Check out this video by National Geographic that looks at some existing MPAs (as of 2016) and discusses the changes they brought about. You can also use mpatlas.org to visualise up-to-date MPAs and check the level of protection they are under.

<aside> 🌊 This is what the world's current position on 30x30 is:

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The Drive to Protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030

<aside> 💧 This is how much of our ocean India is currently conserving:

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Marine

Unlike land, two-thirds of the ocean does not belong to any single nation. This area is known as the high seas, and offers an opportunity to protect our shared ocean for collective benefit. Watch this TED talk to understand how protecting the high seas is extremely advantageous to countries/economies across the world! It also offers new technological strategies to surveil and implement protection in MPAs remotely via satellite! Definitely worth the watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IPHZ2rN-Hs

Here's a catch, we can't protect just any areas of the sea and expect them to flourish. We must protect locations that are already thriving or have potential to do so. Additionally, a range of habitats and biodiversity should be protected, including productive coastal habitats lying within the Exclusive Economic Zone of individual countries. Here is a list of important criteria that must be taken into consideration when selecting these locations!

30x30: Eight Steps to Protect The Best on Earth

Congrats! You've reached the end of this topic. We covered a lot today. Think about at least two of the following questions and share your perspective on with us on our LinkedIn community!

Discussion Questions:

"Governing the oceans in a sustainable way could see marine protected areas as a driver - not a limit - for the vital economic and social benefits that we derive from the global ocean." - UNEP

• After exploring today's resources, What are your reflections and perspectives on the above statement? Which resource particularly stood out in helping you shape your understanding?
• How do you expect marine protected areas to be different in implementation compared to protected areas on land? We're not looking for a 'right' answer, just your understanding on what unique challenges and efforts you believe would need to go into setting up a successful MPA. Alternatively, tell us what you think will be the biggest challenge in getting India's buy-in towards the 30x30 goal and creating more MPAs within our ocean territory.
• We recognise that ocean policy, economics and conservation science may not be everybody's strongest suits. Was there anything in today's material that was challenging to understand or that surprised you? Let us know so we can help out!