'Prosperity areas' may offer a new opportunity for marine conservation.

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-10 09:06:42 |

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A multinational team of researchers believes 2025 could be a pivotal year for marine conservation efforts. Led by Octavio Aburto from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the team introduced a comprehensive framework for Marine Prosperity Areas (MPpAs).

Focusing on prosperity—the state of thriving and success—this science-backed initiative aims to align human well-being with the restoration of designated marine and coastal ecosystems.

A holistic approach to conservationMarine Prosperity Areas represent a more holistic approach to marine conservation. The framework aims to use targeted financial investments to enhance human prosperity during periods of active ecological restoration.

To realize the full potential of MPpAs, the study calls on governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders to prioritize MPpAs as a central element of global marine conservation, committing to necessary investments and partnerships for a sustainable future.

“Conservation often requires sacrifices today for benefits decades from now, which is an unrealistic expectation for communities dealing with immediate socio-economic challenges,” explained Aburto.

“Our model for Marine Prosperity Areas addresses this issue, showing how human prosperity can be improved while awaiting ecological recovery.”

The framework’s potential to meet ‘30 by 30’ targetsIf implemented, MPpAs could become a key tool in meeting global conservation goals, including the ‘30 by 30’ target outlined by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

The framework builds on decades of research on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fisheries, and coastal habitats in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, and the Gulf of California—one of the world’s most vital marine hotspots.

Recognizing the need to update the current marine protection model, the study authors developed a unifying framework that combines ecological conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social policy—ultimately benefiting both humans and the planet.

For instance, in marine areas with notable natural beauty, seed funding could boost ecotourism by supporting community-based diving or snorkelling businesses. In other areas, small grants could help locals develop sustainable aquaculture projects or fund technological innovations, such as artificial reefs for environmental restoration.

The focus is on creating opportunities for communities to diversify their livelihoods, manage natural resources sustainably, and stimulate economic growth.

Why have some marine conservation efforts faltered?Not all marine protection initiatives have been successful. In certain cases, communities struggled to fully support conservation efforts due to financial hardships while waiting for long-term ecological recovery.

The new framework addresses this challenge by proactively funding human prosperity efforts, rather than waiting for ecosystem recovery to drive social and economic progress.

It also aims to incorporate the needs of various stakeholders, including those in extractive and non-extractive marine industries, as well as Indigenous peoples, local communities, and underserved groups.

“One of the biggest challenges in ensuring successful implementation will be maintaining consistent support throughout all stages,” said Valentina Platzgummer, co-author and coordinator of the Conservation Leadership Program.

“Securing long-term commitment from all stakeholders, both in terms of funding and support, will be crucial to navigating the complexities and achieving the framework’s goals.”

The authors noted there is already a strong desire among many individuals and organizations to contribute to initiatives like Marine Prosperity Areas.

This collective commitment will be vital for the long-term success of marine conservation efforts.

The future of marine prosperityRocío Abud Mirabent, director of Fundación Coppel and co-author of the study, said: “This eagerness to collaborate is essential, and I’m confident that with organized and focused efforts, we can bring about the systemic change necessary to protect and sustain our oceans.”

Overall, the proposed Marine Prosperity Area framework offers a hopeful vision where thriving ecosystems and prosperous communities coexist, restoring the connection between people and the sea.

The framework’s adaptability makes it highly suitable for global implementation.

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