At the recent Our Ocean conference in Mombasa, Kenya, six marine protected areas (MPAs) from around the world were acclaimed with Blue Park Awards. These protected areas demonstrate the varied and successful ways communities and governments safeguard marine biodiversity, advancing important global goals to preserve 30% of oceans by 2030.
- Six MPAs globally received Blue Park Awards in 2026.
- Four sites recognized are located in Africa, highlighting regional leadership.
- Successful management models range from indigenous governance to self-financing tourism.
What happened
During the Our Ocean conference held in Mombasa in June 2026, six marine protected areas were awarded Blue Park status by the U.S.-based Marine Conservation Institute. These sites met demanding criteria showcasing their effective protection of marine ecosystems under diverse governance structures. They include the Banc-des-Américains MPA in Canada, Rapa Nui MPA in Chile, and four African sanctuaries from Senegal and Madagascar.
The recognized African MPAs include Kawawana Indigenous Community Heritage Area in Senegal and Nosy Hara, Sahamalaza-îles Radama, and Nosy Tanihely National Parks in Madagascar. This event gathered over 6,000 delegates from governments, nonprofits, and private sectors to discuss ocean conservation efforts. The awards serve as validation of concrete progress in safeguarding oceans worldwide.
Why it feels good
These MPAs are exemplary in contributing to the global 30×30 biodiversity goal set under the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which aims to protect at least 30% of marine and terrestrial habitats by 2030. Their success demonstrates that effective marine conservation is achievable across different cultures, governance forms, and geographic areas, supporting healthy oceans and resilient ecosystems.
Moreover, the awarded sites reflect strong community involvement and sustainable practices. For instance, Nosy Tanihely in Madagascar stands out for being financially independent through tourism fees, without permanent settlements, and co-managed by local stakeholders. Similarly, the Banc-des-Américains MPA integrates First Nations governance, affirming respect for indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.
What to enjoy or watch next
Future attention is likely to focus on how these Blue Parks continue to serve as models for marine conservation elsewhere. Monitoring their success and challenges will be crucial in encouraging similar initiatives worldwide. Across Africa, the community-led efforts in Kawawana and Madagascar’s national parks offer inspiring examples of stewardship worth following.
The role of indigenous governance, as demonstrated in Rapa Nui and Banc-des-Américains, also warrants watching as more areas explore co-management approaches. As the 2030 deadline approaches for the 30×30 goal, these sanctuaries symbolically and practically highlight the growing global commitment to protecting ocean biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods connected to healthy seas.