An Insurance Policy for Marine Biodiversity based on MPA Effectiveness Science: The Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES)

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are effective conservation tools that can rebuild populations from exploitation, recover habitats from damage, and increase ecosystem resilience when designed well and managed effectively.... [ view full abstract ]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are effective conservation tools that can rebuild populations from exploitation, recover habitats from damage, and increase ecosystem resilience when designed well and managed effectively. However, the rich scientific literature on MPA effectiveness does not typically guide MPA design and implementation, leading to variable MPA effectiveness and poor ecosystem representation in MPAs globally.

Over 15,000 designations currently meet the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) definition of marine protected area, yet only 2% of the ocean is strongly protected. This coverage reflects two challenges – we need to improve the quality of MPAs and accelerate the implementation of effective MPAs to meet the Aichi 11 target of the Convention on Biological Diversity and goal 14.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals that aim for 10% MPA coverage by 2020. 

The Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES) is a strategic initiative of Marine Conservation Institute to build a connected representative network of MPAs that effectively safeguard marine biodiversity. MPAs that meet science-based standards and contribute to the representivity and connectivity of GLORES are awarded Global Ocean Refuge status. GLORES will ensure that the ocean protections countries claim to have are truly making a difference for marine wildlife. Global Ocean Refuges are well-designed, employ effective management that engages the local community, strictly regulate destructive activities, and garner high rates of compliance. GLORES provides a comprehensive strategy to scale up existing marine conservation efforts and assemble a network of Global Ocean Refuges that protect biodiversity throughout the global ocean.