A group of philanthropic organizations has announced a USD$51.7 million pledge to accelerate the development of high-quality Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas on Finance Day of the COP16 UN Biodiversity Conference in Colombia.
The high seas comprise nearly two-thirds of the ocean’s area and represent 95% of the habitable space, by volume, on our planet. Alongside playing a key role for many important species of sharks, tuna, and whales, it helps regulate the global climate and supports billions of people around the world who depend on a healthy ocean.
Adopted in June 2023, the High Seas Treaty fills a key gap in international governance by establishing a mechanism for governments to establish MPAs in the high seas. The rapid creation of high seas MPAs is critical to reaching the 30×30 goal in the ocean. A recent report showed that less than 3% of MPAs are adequately protected.
“The creation of marine protected areas in the high seas is essential for preserving the ocean’s health and ability to act as a climate ally,” said Melissa Wright, who leads the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “This joint funding pledge aims to kickstart the development of proposals for high seas MPAs and prepare the Treaty for their earliest adoption.”
The organizations include Becht Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Blue Action Fund, Blue Nature Alliance, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Oceans 5, Paul M Angell Family Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and Vere Initiatives. The pledge, which the group said is the largest high seas commitment to date from private philanthropy, will also support building international consensus on the governance processes necessary to ensure the rapid adoption of high seas MPAs under the High Seas Treaty.
Newly-announced initiatives that the pledge will complement include:
- A BBNJ First Movers government collaborative, announced last month, led by Chile and supported by Palau, the United States, and Canada, committing to fast-track the creation of the first set of MPAs under the new High Seas Treaty, focusing on priority biodiversity hotspots.
- A non-governmental organization-led “accelerator,” providing technical, scientific, and stakeholder engagement in partnership with governments to advance high seas MPA proposals.
The funding will also support capacity-building initiatives, emphasizing Indigenous participation, financial mechanisms, and scientific analysis to identify key areas for protection.
“Protecting the high seas is especially vital for countries in the Global South, as these waters are a shared lifeline that sustains biodiversity, supports livelihoods, and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Markus Knigge, Executive Director of Blue Action Fund. “With many of these nations relying heavily on ocean resources for food security, economic development, and cultural heritage, safeguarding the high seas ensures equitable access to their benefits and preserves them for future generations.”
