The world has reached a significant milestone in marine conservation, with 10% of the global ocean now covered by protected areas. The achievement reflects growing international efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems, preserve biodiversity and strengthen the long-term health of the oceans.

Over a two-year period, countries added approximately 5 million square kilometres of protected ocean, marking substantial progress in expanding marine conservation coverage. However, conservation experts emphasise that increasing the area designated for protection is only one part of the challenge. Ensuring that these areas are effectively managed and deliver measurable ecological benefits is equally important.

A Major Step Forward for Marine Conservation

Oceans support an extraordinary diversity of life and play a vital role in regulating the global climate. They also sustain fisheries, provide livelihoods for coastal communities and contribute to food security around the world.

Marine protected areas can help conserve habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and deep-sea ecosystems. Depending on their regulations, these areas can restrict activities that damage marine environments and provide important spaces for vulnerable species to recover.

The expansion of protected ocean areas demonstrates increased recognition of the need to preserve marine resources for future generations.

Why Protection Must Go Beyond Numbers

Although reaching 10% ocean protection represents progress, the percentage alone does not reveal how effectively marine ecosystems are being conserved.

Some designated areas may face continued pressure from illegal fishing, pollution, habitat destruction or other harmful activities. Without adequate monitoring, enforcement and management, legal protection may not translate into meaningful environmental improvements.

Effective conservation requires clear objectives, sufficient funding, scientific monitoring and cooperation among governments, researchers, fishing communities and other stakeholders.

It is also important to consider whether protected areas cover ecologically significant habitats and connect effectively with wider marine ecosystems.

The Road Toward the 30% Conservation Target

Under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, countries have committed to conserving at least 30% of the world’s land and inland waters, as well as 30% of coastal and marine areas, by 2030.

Achieving this target will require additional protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. Governments must also ensure that conservation initiatives respect the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Progress will depend not only on expanding coverage but also on implementing credible management plans and measuring results over time.

Protecting Marine Life for Future Generations

Healthy oceans are essential to biodiversity, climate resilience and the well-being of millions of people. Effective marine conservation can help protect threatened species, preserve breeding grounds, support sustainable fisheries and maintain the ecological functions on which coastal communities depend.

The addition of 5 million square kilometres of protected ocean in just two years highlights the potential for coordinated international action. The next phase must focus on ensuring that protected areas are properly managed, adequately funded and capable of delivering lasting benefits.

Reaching the 10% milestone is an important achievement, but the broader goal remains clear: protect more of the ocean, protect it effectively and ensure that marine ecosystems can thrive for generations to come.