Healthy coastal ecosystems sit on the front lines of both the climate crisis and the global effort to halt biodiversity loss. Bringing that reality into sharper focus, the International Partnership on MPAs, Biodiversity and Climate Change (IPMPABCC) has been officially endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) as a project under the Marine Conservation Programme (MARCOP), led by WIOMSA.
The endorsement creates a direct bridge between global commitments and practical implementation in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). As nations work toward Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), conserving 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030, the Partnership links regional practitioners with an alliance spanning roughly 30 countries.
“We cannot tackle climate change, halt biodiversity loss, or build resilient coastal communities without a healthy ocean. This partnership brings together global expertise to accelerate the evidence, collaboration and action needed to ensure Marine Protected Areas deliver for nature, climate and people at a time when ambitious, practical solutions are urgently needed.” — Natalie Askew, Director: International Evidence & Advice, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
This collaboration is already grounding global frameworks in local realities:
- Centering WIO Expertise: The Partnership is working with regional teams to document case studies capturing hands-on experience in establishing and managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs).
- Showcasing Local Solutions: These case studies will be featured directly on the MPABioClimate platform and amplify African marine conservation voices at international ocean forums.
- Advancing Spatial Governance: Joint insights will feed directly into a planned symposium focused on MPAs and marine spatial planning (MSP).
MARCOP’s mission is centered on translating ocean science into durable policy and effective coastal management; and WIOMSA is proud to welcome IPMPABCC into the MARCOP ecosystem under the UN Ocean Decade Endorsement.
Find out more about the endorsement here.
