A Catalyst for Ocean Protection

WCS is launching the 30x30 Ocean Accelerator to advance the historic goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

We aim to achieve sustainable and equitable ocean protection wins in the world’s most important coastal areas for marine biodiversity and for communities.

We strategically direct funding and unlock partnerships where it is needed most: to critical ecosystems and species and to local communities on the frontlines of protecting the waters they call home.

Our Goal

Our goal is to secure 500,000 km2 of new protected areas in coastal seas, support communities and governments to maintain management of over 130 existing MPAs, and help countries equitably achieve their 2030 targets.

The Opportunity

Marine protected areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are proven solutions to support our oceans, the wellspring of all life on earth and a critical source of food security, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Ocean ecosystems cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, but only about 8% of waters are legally protected. Without protection, we have seen the results: commercial overfishing, pollution, and resource extraction that destabilizes marine ecosystems.

In 2022, nearly 200 nations finalized the “30x30” global target to protect 30% of the world’s ocean and land areas by 2030. The landmark agreement is vital toward building biodiverse, productive, and resilient future. However, many governments remain without the resources and capacity to successfully implement this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the challenges facing the world’s oceans.

With a consistent focus on supporting the knowledge and needs of local leaders, the 30x30 Ocean Accelerator will offer much-needed support to scale up protections and catalyze long-term wins for coastal communities to thrive.

Our Strategy

Commit

We work hand-in-hand with governments and communities to achieve ambitious commitments for new protected areas.

By 2030, all 26 countries where we work will have committed to an ambitious 2030 target.

Create

We make good on commitments by creating and expanding new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

By 2030, half a million km2 of additional ocean area will be protected.

Sustain

Ensure sustainability of new and existing protected areas by providing the financing, tools, and technologies community groups and governments need to manage their MPAs and OECMs.

By 2030, more than 130 protected areas will be supported and effectively managed.