ABOUT MPA DAY

MPA Day, celebrated annually on 1 August, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their crucial role in ocean conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being.

Launched in 2021 by a consortium of South African organizations, MPA Day was created to fill a gap among the world’s many environmental observances – none of which focused specifically on MPAs. The date was chosen to commemorate the legal protection of 20 new or expanded MPAs in South Africa on 1 August 2019, a significant milestone in marine conservation.

Since its inception, MPA Day has grown into an international movement, endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade and supported by individuals, communities, institutions, and governments around the world.

Despite their importance, MPAs remain relatively unknown to much of the public and even many decision-makers. 

MPA Day seeks to change that by:

• Increasing public understanding and appreciation of MPAs.
• Inspiring communities, schools, and organizations to engage with marine protection.
• Highlighting the role of MPAs in achieving global ocean conservation goals.
• Encouraging stronger political and financial support for ocean protection.
• Sharing science, stories, and successes on social media through #MPADay and #LetsTalkMPAs.

By celebrating MPA Day, we acknowledge that protecting the ocean is not just a coastal concern – it is a shared global responsibility. 

Whether we live by the sea or far inland, the ocean sustains all life on Earth. MPA Day reminds us that through awareness and action, we can help ensure a healthy, thriving ocean for generations to come.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are clearly defined parts of the ocean or coastline that are specially designated and managed to protect marine life and nature. 

Often called the national parks of the sea, MPAs are essential for maintaining ocean health, supporting marine biodiversity, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the ocean’s resources. 

By limiting harmful activities and allowing nature to recover and thrive, MPAs help to ensure that marine environments can continue to provide vital benefits – not just for today, but for future generations.   

To truly deliver on this promise, MPAs must be more than just paper parks; they need effective management and enforcement to provide real, tangible benefits for biodiversity and the communities that rely on healthy oceans. 

Unless we act now to protect these areas, many of our most special and unique ocean habitats and species may disappear before our children and grandchildren have the chance to experience or benefit from them.  

The ecosystem services provided by MPAs – like food, coastal protection, clean water, and climate regulation – are irreplaceable, and their loss would mean depriving future generations of a healthy marine environment and all it sustains.