Spain has put forward a plan to designate 23 new marine protected areas (MPAs) around the Canary Islands and Mediterranean Sea, advancing its commitment to safeguard 30% of its marine territory by 2030 under international biodiversity goals.
- 23 new marine protected areas proposed covering over 22,000 km²
- Initiative targets key habitats in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean
- Public consultation open until mid-September 2026
What happened
In July 2026, Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge launched a public consultation for 23 new marine protected areas (MPAs). These proposed areas span waters around the Canary Islands and stretches of the Mediterranean, including regions near Valencia, Almería, Granada, and Mallorca. The new MPAs aim to add 2.08 percentage points to Spain’s existing marine protection, bringing the total protected area under Spanish jurisdiction to 24.53%.
The proposed MPAs are part of a broader effort to meet Spain’s national and international commitments, particularly the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's goal to protect 30% of marine areas by 2030. These designations include 21 sites of community importance within the Natura 2000 network and two special protection areas focused on seabirds, designed to conserve vital marine ecosystems such as seagrass beds, submarine canyons, coral habitats, and feeding grounds for whales and other protected species.
Why it feels good
This initiative marks a considerable milestone for marine conservation in the Macaronesian region surrounding the Canary Islands, known for its exceptional biodiversity including abundant whales, sharks, deep-sea corals, and rich seagrass meadows. Environmentalists view the proposal as a positive step toward protecting these ecologically important habitats from threats like overfishing and habitat destruction.
Moreover, expanding marine protected areas supports healthier ocean ecosystems that benefit both nature and local communities by sustaining fisheries, tourism, and climate resilience. Conservation groups emphasize the importance of not only designating protected areas on paper but also implementing effective management plans to ensure real-world impact, which the Spanish government is now being encouraged to prioritize.
What to enjoy or watch next
The public consultation phase for the new marine protected areas is open until September 15, 2026, inviting feedback from stakeholders and citizens. This engagement is essential to refine and strengthen management plans that will follow designation. Observers and environmental groups will be watching to see how Spain balances conservation needs with economic and social interests in the region.
Looking ahead, the success of Spain’s ambitious marine protection targets will hinge on timely implementation and enforcement of measures across all MPAs. Effective management could establish a model for other countries striving to meet their 2030 biodiversity commitments, safeguarding vital marine habitats while fostering sustainable use of ocean resources.