The latest findings from the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) highlight both progress and persistent gaps in global marine conservation efforts. According to recent data, nearly 10% of the world’s oceans are now under some form of protection, marking an increase of 1.41% since 2024. However, experts warn that current conservation efforts remain insufficient to achieve global biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The report underscores the urgent need for stronger marine governance, protection of high seas biodiversity, and expansion of highly protected marine ecosystems.
About WDPCA
The World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas is a joint initiative of:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
It is managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) based in Cambridge.
Objectives
The database:
- Tracks terrestrial and marine protected areas globally
- Monitors progress toward biodiversity conservation goals
- Supports implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Monthly Updates
The WDPCA is updated monthly to reflect:
- Newly designated protected areas
- Changes in conservation status
- Governance and management updates
Key Findings on Marine Conservation
Global Marine Protection Reaches 10%
Around 10.01% of the global ocean is now covered under protected and conserved areas.
This represents progress compared to previous years but remains significantly below the global “30×30” target.
Importance of High Seas
The report highlights that:
- Around 95% of Earth’s habitable space by volume lies within the oceans and high seas.
Despite their ecological importance:
- Only 1.66% of high seas areas beyond national jurisdiction are currently under conservation management.
This reflects a major governance and conservation gap.
Largest Marine Protected Area
In 2025, Tainui Atea became the world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), covering around 4.5 million square kilometres.
The creation of such mega-MPAs demonstrates increasing global recognition of ocean conservation priorities.
The 30×30 Global Target
Under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, countries committed to conserving:
- 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.
Current marine protection levels indicate that:
- Ocean protection must nearly triple within this decade to achieve the target.
Quality of Protection Remains Weak
A major concern highlighted by WDPCA is that only:
- Around 2.8%–3.3% of oceans are categorised as “fully or highly protected.” In such zones:
- Industrial fishing
- Deep-sea mining
- Extractive activities
are either heavily restricted or completely prohibited.
Thus, mere designation of protected areas does not always ensure effective biodiversity conservation.
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
The report also highlights conservation gaps concerning Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
What are KBAs?
Key Biodiversity Areas are ecologically important sites that contribute significantly to the persistence of global biodiversity.
Existing Gaps
Around:
- 30%–34% of identified marine KBAs still lie outside protected or conserved areas.
This exposes vulnerable ecosystems and species to overexploitation and habitat degradation.
Relation with Global Biodiversity Targets
Aichi Biodiversity Targets
Target 11 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020) aimed to conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.
Although the world has now crossed this threshold, conservation experts argue that:
- Quantity alone is insufficient
- Effective management and ecological representation are equally important
Challenges in Marine Conservation
Weak High Seas Governance
Areas beyond national jurisdiction lack strong enforcement mechanisms.
Overfishing and Deep-Sea Exploitation
Industrial fishing and emerging deep-sea mining activities threaten marine ecosystems.
Climate Change
Ocean warming, acidification, and coral bleaching continue to damage marine biodiversity.
Limited Enforcement Capacity
Several marine protected areas exist only “on paper” without effective monitoring or implementation.
Way Forward
Expand Highly Protected MPAs
Increase strict no-take marine reserves with stronger ecological safeguards.
Strengthen BBNJ Agreement Implementation
Operationalise the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement for high seas governance.
Improve Scientific Monitoring
Use satellite tracking, AI, and marine biodiversity mapping for effective conservation.
Promote International Cooperation
Marine ecosystems are transboundary in nature and require collaborative governance frameworks.
Conclusion
The WDPCA findings reveal that global marine conservation is progressing but remains far below the scale required to protect ocean ecosystems effectively. While crossing the 10% threshold is an important milestone, achieving the 30×30 target will require rapid expansion of protected areas, stronger enforcement, and improved protection quality. Sustainable ocean governance is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for climate stability, food security, and the future of the blue economy.