The recently conducted 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Canada aimed at discussing the solutions for funding gap in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The congress gains relevance due to the agreed global aim of protecting 30% of Earth’s lands and oceans by 2030. Canada, which hosted IMPAC5, is strategically bordered by the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans and has the longest coastline worldwide.
Key Highlights from the Congress
During the congress, it was indicated that about 70% of MPAs are underfunded. Therefore, establishing sustainable and resilient MPA networks are crucial to restoring vulnerable ecosystems’ health. Achieving this ultimately depends on the commitment to protection, leadership, and engagement from various stakeholders like institutions, governments, organizations, Indigenous peoples, coastal communities, and individuals to advance ocean protection. IMPAC5 also aimed to provide a forum for idea-exchange and sharing knowledge, success, best practices among attendees.
Significance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
MPAs play an essential role in generating sustainable revenues for their management. The income can be sourced from mandatory and non-mandatory MPA fees, blue carbon credits from mangrove conservation and avoided deforestation, seaweed farming, sustainable coastal fisheries, and tourism programs.
Understanding Marine Protected Areas
MPAs are designated oceanic areas reserved for marine ecosystems’ protection and conservation. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, regulating fishing activities to prevent overfishing, mitigating climate change impacts by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, and providing opportunities for scientific research and education.
The Need for Establishing MPAs
Establishing MPAs is vital for conserving marine species diversity and their habitats. MPAs also promote sustainable fishing practices and contribute to local economies by attracting tourists, offering sustainable tourism and recreation opportunities, and supporting local fishing communities.
Legal Frameworks for MPAs
Several international agreements and conventions, such as the Agreement on Conservation of Cetaceans, Bern Convention, CITES, EU Habitats Directive, and CCAMLR, guide the establishment and functioning of MPAs.
Overview of MPAs in India
India designates 33 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as MPAs under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. They account for less than 4.01% of all Protected Areas in the country.
About the IMPAC Conferences
IMPAC congresses are collaborative events between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the host country. The congresses serve as a platform for scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders worldwide to discuss the latest knowledge, challenges, and best practices in managing MPAs. The goal is to advance marine biodiversity conservation and support the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s goals for marine conservation and management.
