For the first time, the annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day is taking place in Europe! Supported by international organisations, the MPA Day invites people around the world to recognise the importance of protecting our waters.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating MPAs – for People and for Nature’, the 4th annual MPA Day, taking place on 1 August 2024, brings together many international partners and Mission Ocean projects.
The MPA Day is supported by Mission Ocean project PROTECT BALTIC, which works to restore and protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. Jannica Haldin, the Deputy Executive Secretary of HELCOM and Project Manager for PROTECT BALTIC said: "We are thrilled to bring MPA Day to Europe's shores this year. People protect what they love, and they can only learn to love what they know, so sharing the beauty and merit of our MPAs is central to protecting marine ecosystems, not just in the Baltic Sea but globally. Our seas need our support now more than ever, so we are very excited to unite with partners in South Africa and across the world to underscore the vital role of marine protected areas in preserving our oceans' biodiversity.”
The event is also supported by Mission Blue – a world-renowned organisation that supports a global network of MPAs. Through a network of Hope Spots – places critical to the health of the ocean – the organisation will spread the message of the importance of MPAs worldwide. Dr Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer from Mission Blue commented: “Bravo to all who are taking action to save and restore the living ocean that makes possible the existence of life on Earth, humans very much included."
To celebrate MPA Day, a special webinar will be held presenting the MPA Guide – a resource to strengthen marine protection efforts worldwide. Join the event on 1 August 2024, 10:00 – 12:00 EEST. Register and learn more here.
Find out more about the MPA Day here.
Protect Baltic is a Mission Ocean project working to ensure adequate protection and restoration of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea. Learn more about the project here.