Protect Planet Ocean
is about
Marine Conservation
Protect Planet Ocean is an initiative by IUCN with the collaboration with UNEP-WCMC
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
A marine protected area is a space in the ocean where human activities are more strictly regulated than the surrounding waters.
Marine Reserves
Marine reserves are a specific type of marine protected area, where activities that remove animals and plants or alter habitats are all prohibited, except as needed for scientific monitoring.
Marine World Heritage Sites
Marine World Heritage Sites are iconic natural treasures of international outstanding global value. Currently there are 35 of them around the world.
Only 0.8% of the world’s oceans are protected, and
0.08% is in marine reserves
Why are oceans important?
Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported by the ocean. YOU need the oceans to survive!
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What impacts do humans have on the ocean?
Our impacts on the oceans are vast: we take food, minerals, sand and more, in huge quantities, all the while pouring waste and toxins in. There is now nowhere on the planet that is untouched by human activities, and 40% of the oceans are heavily affected: our ocean is dying.
Learn moreWhat are marine protected areas (MPAs)?
A marine protected area is a space in the ocean where human activities are more strictly regulated than the surrounding waters.
Learn moreWhat are Marine Reserves?
Marine reserves are a specific type of marine protected area, where activities that remove animals and plants or alter habitats are all prohibited, except as needed for scientific monitoring.
Learn moreHow can MPAs and reserves help?
MPAs and reserves - by regulating and reducing human activities inside them - can help to protect, manage, and restore marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems.
Learn moreWhat are networks of MPAs and reserves?
Networks of MPAs and/or reserves are groups of areas that are spatially separated, but oceanographically connected. Collectively, these areas achieve conservation goals more effectively than a series of unconnected protected areas.
Learn moreGlobal facts about MPAs and marine reserves
Only 0.8% of the world's oceans are protected, and 0.08% is in marine reserves, i.e. no-take areas, strictly protected from all forms of extraction.
Learn moreTargets to increase marine protection
Various targets have been adopted to increase the level of marine protection to up to 30% of the world's oceans by 2012. At current rates of MPA growth, this target will not be met until around 2100!
Learn moreIUCN WCPA-Marine Plan of Action
As part of our work to protect planet ocean and assist in the achievement of global marine protection targets, IUCN WCPA-Marine recently developed its Plan of Action.
Learn moreHow do we decide where to place MPAs and reserves?
How do we protect enough ocean area, in the right places, to maintain its (and our) health, whilst also minimising costs on other ocean users?
Learn moreWhat are Marine World Heritage Sites?
Marine World Heritage Sites are iconic natural treasures of international outstanding global value. Currently there are 35 of them around the world.
Learn moreThese are our reasons, now is your chance...
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