Following the resounding success of MPA Day 2025, we are excited to kick off the new year with a special global webinar hosted by Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO). Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5 PM SAST (4 PM EAT), and join in celebrating and advancing the vital work of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
MPA Day, observed annually on August 1, is a worldwide celebration dedicated to highlighting the importance of MPAs in conserving marine biodiversity, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and building resilience against climate change. It serves as a powerful platform to amplify collective efforts and foster collaboration among communities, organizations, and governments committed to ocean health.
About the Webinar
Webinar Title: MPA Day 2026: Uniting a Global Community for Ocean Protection
Presented by: Judy Mann-Lang, Founder of MPA Day, and Katja Laingui, European Coordinator for MPA Day
Date & Time:
- 10 AM US EST / 7 AM US PST / 3 PM UTC / 4 PM EAT / 5 PM EET / 5 PM SAST
This engaging session will explore the evolution of MPA Day, its expanding global reach, and how more regions and organizations are joining the movement to protect our oceans. Judy Mann-Lang will discuss the origin of and motivation for MPA Day and its early growth, based on an understanding of the communication principles that underpin effective MPA management and public engagement. Katja Laingui will outline the steps taken to broaden MPA Day outreach into Europe and foster connections with emerging partners worldwide. Together, the speakers will share practical ways organizations and individuals can participate and help the initiative to grow in reach and impact.
Register for the webinar here
Photo credit: Stefan Andrews/Ocean Image bank
