A Catalyst for Ocean Protection

We aim to achieve sustainable and equitable ocean protection wins in the world’s most important coastal areas for marine biodiversity and for communities.

We strategically direct funding and unlock partnerships where it is needed most: to critical ecosystems and species and to local communities on the frontlines of protecting the waters they call home.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are proven solutions to support our oceans, the wellspring of all life on earth and a critical source of food security, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Ocean ecosystems cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, but only about 8% of waters are legally protected. Without protection, we have seen the results: commercial overfishing, pollution, and resource extraction that destabilizes marine ecosystems.

In 2022, nearly 200 nations finalized the “30x30” global target to protect 30% of the world’s ocean and land areas by 2030. The landmark agreement is vital toward building biodiverse, productive, and resilient future. However, many governments remain without the resources and capacity to successfully implement this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the challenges facing the world’s oceans.

With a consistent focus on supporting the knowledge and needs of local leaders, the 30x30 Ocean Accelerator will offer much-needed support to scale up protections and catalyze long-term wins for coastal communities to thrive.