2025 could be the year marine conservation efforts ramp up, according to a multinational team of researchers.
In a new study, the team, led by Octavio Aburto of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, unveiled a comprehensive framework for Marine Prosperity Areas, or MPpAs.
With a focus on prosperity—the condition of being successful or thriving—this science-informed effort aligns human well-being with the restoration of designated marine and coastal environments.
A holistic approach to marine conservation
Marine Prosperity Areas mark a more holistic approach to marine conservation, with a framework that seeks to use targeted financial investments to enhance human prosperity during periods of active ecological restoration.
To fully envision Marine Prosperity Areas, the study authors call on governments, non-governmental organisations, and local stakeholders to champion MPpAs as a cornerstone of global marine conservation efforts, committing to the investments and partnerships necessary to build a sustainable future.
“Conservation often demands sacrifices today for benefits decades in the future—an unrealistic expectation for communities facing immediate socio-economic pressures,” explained Aburto.
“Our model for Marine Prosperity Areas addresses this challenge, outlining how human prosperity can be improved while we wait for ecological recovery.
“By strategically aligning recovery efforts, it is possible for both people and ecosystems to thrive.”
The framework could help achieve ‘30 by 30’ targets
If implemented, Marine Prosperity Areas have the power to be a leading tool for achieving global conservation targets.
This includes the ‘30 by 30’ target set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international commitment to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
The new framework builds upon several decades of research on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fisheries, and coastal habitats in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, and throughout the Gulf of California—one of the world’s most important marine hotspots.
The authors recognised the need to transform the existing model for implementing marine protection because, despite decades of efforts, there has been no unifying framework.
The new model employs strategic financial investments and tailored community partnerships to align the realms of ecological conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social policy—ultimately benefiting both people and the planet.
For example, in marine areas with great natural beauty, seed funding could promote ecotourism by supporting community-based diving or snorkelling enterprises. In other areas, small grants could help locals establish sustainable aquaculture initiatives or fund technological efforts to create artificial reefs for environmental restoration.
The focus is on nurturing opportunities for community members to diversify their livelihoods, sustainably manage natural resources, and drive economic growth.
Why have some marine conservation efforts failed?
Not all marine protection efforts have been as successful, however. In some cases, the community was not able to be fully on board due to financial challenges as they awaited the long road to ecosystem recovery.
The new framework seeks to remedy this challenge by proactively funding efforts to support human prosperity rather than passively relying on ecosystem recovery to catalyse social change and economic growth.
It also seeks to accommodate the interests and needs of a wide range of stakeholders, including economic sectors dependent on extractive and non-extractive uses of the marine environment, as well as Indigenous peoples, local communities and other underserved groups.
“One of the greatest challenges in its successful implementation will be ensuring sustained support for this vision throughout all stages,” said study co-author Valentina Platzgummer, coordinator of the Conservation Leadership Program and researcher at the Centro para la Biodiversidad Marina y la Conservación, A.C.
“It will be crucial to maintain a long-term commitment from all stakeholders, both in terms of funds and support, to navigate the complexities and ensure the framework’s goals are achieved.”
The authors emphasised that there’s already a “strong desire” from many individuals and organisations to contribute to and support initiatives like Marine Prosperity Areas.
This collective sense of partnership will be crucial to the long-term success of any conservation effort.
The future of marine prosperity
Rocío Abud Mirabent, director of Fundación Coppel and the study’s co-author, stated: “This eagerness to collaborate is essential, and I am confident that with organised and focused efforts, we can achieve the systemic change needed to protect and sustain our oceans.”
As a whole, the proposed Marine Prosperity Area framework offers a hopeful vision where thriving ecosystems and prosperous communities can co-exist, restoring the bond between people and the sea.
The framework is also highly adaptable, making it well-suited for global implementation.
