After a record-breaking 2025, MPA Day is back to highlight the value of Marine Protected Areas worldwide.
On 1 August 2026, communities and conservationists around the world will come together once again to celebrate MPA Day. This global initiative aims to shine a spotlight on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their vital role in protecting the ocean.
The event follows a record-breaking 2025 edition, which featured 103 events across 39 countries. This year, organisers aim to build on that momentum and encourage even more people to connect with the ocean and the MPAs that help sustain it.
Among those helping to coordinate the international campaign is Horizon Mission project PROTECT BALTIC, a member of the MPA Day organising committee. The project works to strengthen the Baltic Sea's network of MPAs and support the EU's goal of protecting at least 30% of its seas by 2030.
Why MPAs matter
Often described as the national parks of the sea, MPAs are widely recognised as one of the most effective tools for conserving marine biodiversity. By limiting harmful activities and allowing ecosystems to recover, they help protect habitats, support marine life and enhance the resilience of coastal communities.
MPA Day was launched in 2021 by a consortium of South African organisations to address a gap in the environmental calendar. The date commemorates a landmark moment in marine conservation: the protection of 20 new or expanded MPAs in South Africa on 1 August 2019. Since then, the initiative has grown into a global movement endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
How to get involved
The diversity of activities organised under MPA Day reflects its growing international reach. Previous events have ranged from seagrass snorkelling excursions in Ireland to citizen science projects monitoring invasive species in Spain.
Participation is open to everyone. Individuals and organisations can contribute through a social media campaign, a local event or a larger public activity. The MPA Day website offers a range of resources, including factsheets, communication materials and event-planning tools.
This year, organisers are also inviting European residents to complete a short survey on their relationship with the sea and their understanding of MPAs. MPA practitioners can contribute by sharing a testimonial about the one thing they wish people knew about their protected area.
As preparations continue, MPA Day 2026 aims to highlight a simple but powerful message: protecting the ocean depends not only on protected areas, but also on the people who value and support them.
Mission Ocean and Waters unites authorities, researchers and stakeholders through the EU Blue Parks Community in a joint effort to protect 30% and strictly protect 10% of the EU’s seas by 2030. Find out how you can be part of the change today by joining the Community and supporting the Mission Charter.