As the global ocean community prepares to convene 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) from June 16–18 in Kenya, one of the event’s 6 pillars of action stands out as both foundational and urgent: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
MPAs are not a new idea. They now sit at the center of one of the most ambitious global environmental commitments ever made. In December 2022, governments adopted the “30X30” target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, pledging to conserve at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 through well-connected, effectively managed, and equitably governed systems.
Why MPAs matter now
The science is clear: well-designed MPAs work. They protect biodiversity, rebuild fish stocks, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Up to 72% of assessed threatened marine species are found within MPAs, underscoring their importance as biodiversity strongholds.
But their value extends far beyond conservation. MPAs are increasingly recognized as tools for climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation, helping buffer coastal communities from storms, preserving blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses, and supporting food security and livelihoods.
And yet, despite this momentum, we are not on track. The protection gap is not just about area, it’s about effectiveness
As of May 2026, 9.8% of the global ocean is protected in MPAs according to WDPCA / ProtectedPlanet. On paper, that suggests progress. In reality, the picture is more complex:
- Only about one-third of MPAs are effectively implemented
- Just 3.4% of the ocean is fully or highly protected
- Less than 1% of the High Seas falls into this category
This reveals a critical truth: MPA quality is lagging behind quantity.
Many existing MPAs lack enforcement, management plans, or meaningful restrictions on harmful activities. Meanwhile, protection is unevenly distributed.
At the same time, the global network is highly concentrated. The 100 largest MPAs account for nearly 90% of the global MPA are, often in remote regions, leaving coastal and heavily used ecosystems underrepresented.
A narrowing window
With just four years left to meet the 30×30 target, urgency is growing. The good news: rapid progress is possible. Since 2000, MPA coverage has increased more than 14-fold, from just 0.7% of the ocean.
The challenge now is scaling effective protection, not just designations.
That requires investment. According to the Ocean Protection Gap Report, achieving 30×30 will require $15.8 billion annually, yet only $1.2 billion is currently flowing. This leaves a staggering $14.6 billion annual shortfall.
A major shift in 2026 is the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty on January 17. For the first time, this agreement creates a legal pathway to establish MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering nearly half the planet.
This is a game changer for achieving 30X30.
Countries are already preparing proposals for High Seas MPAs ahead of BBNJ COP1 next year, and the treaty provides the framework to ensure these areas are not just protected but also governed effectively.
At the regional level, momentum is also building. The Western Indian Ocean is advancing the Great Blue Wall, an Africa-led initiative to create interconnected marine conservation areas that support both biodiversity and sustainable development.
Kenya, this year’s host government, has committed to 30×30, but currently protects just 0.4% of its marine area, highlighting a clear opportunity for leadership and progress in the next four years.
Why OOC 2026 matters
Over the past decade, the Our Ocean Conference has proven to be a powerful catalyst. Since 2014, it has generated 483 MPA commitments, contributing over 8.7 million km² of protected ocean.
But funding has lagged and MPAs account for just 4% of total OOC financial pledges.
The 11th OOC in Mombasa is therefore a critical moment to:
- Shift from commitments to implementation
- Prioritize effective management and enforcement
- Scale investment and financing mechanisms
- Ensure community participation and equitable governance
- Expand protection in underrepresented regions, including the Indian Ocean and High Seas
- Support the implementation of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), which, alongside well-managed MPAs, can be effective tools for reaching national and global ocean conservation targets while promoting community-led decision-making.
The bottom line
MPAs are one of the most powerful tools we have to safeguard the ocean when they are designed and managed to deliver real outcomes.
As leaders gather in Mombasa, the conversation must move beyond “how much” we protect to how well we protect it and for whom.
Because 30×30 is not just a target. It’s a test of whether we can align science, policy, finance, and community leadership to secure the future of the ocean.
