Well-managed marine protected areas, or MPAs, are critical to conserving biodiversity, sustaining fisheries and meeting global conservation goals like 30×30. We support the creation and strengthening of MPAs that are community-led, effectively enforced and adequately funded. Through site-level pilots and national and international policy work, we help ensure MPAs deliver real ecological and social benefits.
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth, regulating our climate and providing food for billions of people. At Pacific Environment, we collaborate with Indigenous communities, national and international government agencies and local stakeholders across the Pacific Rim and beyond to safeguard marine ecosystems from threats like illegal fishing, oil spills, ship traffic and plastic waste.
By working with people and governments, we are helping drive the global movement to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030.
Marine protected areas, or MPAs, are essential for maintaining the health and resilience of our oceans. They provide safe havens for marine species to recover and thrive, supporting biodiversity and restoring fish populations that local communities depend on. MPAs also help protect critical habitats like coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass meadows: ecosystems that naturally absorb carbon and shield coastlines from erosion and storms.
MPAs and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) help protect the most vulnerable and biologically rich areas of the ocean, including:
Pacific Environment collaborates with local stakeholders, Indigenous leaders and advocacy partners to ensure protections in MPAs are not only maintained but strengthened. Our work includes monitoring enforcement, advancing inclusive conservation policies and supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
We are pushing for bold action on 30×30, a global commitment to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030. This is more than a number. It is a critical step for the future of our planet.
At Pacific Environment, we are working across borders and oceans to make 30×30 real. We partner with Indigenous communities, government leaders, scientists and grassroots organizations to protect the ocean’s most vital places.
Protecting 30% by 2030 is not just possible, it’s essential.
To protect critical marine habitats and wildlife, our program efforts focus on three key strategies:
We apply unique, adaptable approaches that help advance 30×30 goals in each country — ensuring long-term sustainability across diverse regions.
We apply unique, adaptable approaches that help advance 30×30 goals in each country — ensuring long-term sustainability across diverse regions.
Our teams in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and the U.S. lead tailored initiatives to meet the needs of each region.
Through our collaborative efforts, Pacific Environment has played a pivotal role securing significant victories for marine conservation. To date, we have:
Stay up to date on efforts to create and strengthen well-managed MPAs. Follow how communities, governments and advocacy partners are safeguarding critical habitats, supporting biodiversity and advancing the global 30×30 goal.
Protecting our oceans is essential to protecting life on Earth. Join us in advancing community-led marine protected areas that conserve biodiversity, sustain fisheries and help build a more resilient future for people and the planet.