Marine protected areas
Vision: Also in the marine environment the 30% protection goal will be met.
As of recent assessments, approximately 8% of the world’s oceans are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). However, only about 3% are considered effectively managed with strong protections.
This indicates a significant gap toward achieving the 30×30 goal, which aims to protect 30% of global marine and terrestrial areas by 2030.
The effectiveness of MPAs varies widely. Many designated areas lack adequate enforcement and resources, leading to “paper parks” that offer minimal real protection. For instance, over 80% of Europe’s MPAs are ineffective in meeting conservation goals, often permitting industrial activities like dredging and bottom trawling.
Globally, only about 3% of the ocean is fully or highly protected from fishing and other human impacts.
No-take zones, where all extractive activities are prohibited, are crucial for biodiversity conservation. Globally, only about 3% of the ocean is under such full protection. Notable examples of substantial no-take zones include the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii, which spans approximately 1.5 million square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest fully protected marine areas.
To meet the 30×30 target, significant efforts are needed to not only expand the coverage of MPAs but also to enhance their management effectiveness and enforcement.
Where is Norway in regard to effective MPAs?
As of 2024, Norway has established 17 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with additional marine zones incorporated within various national parks and nature reserves along its coastline. However, a scientific review indicates that less than 1% of Norway’s jurisdictional waters are fully protected within MPAs or Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
To meet its commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve 30% of its marine areas by 2030, Norway acknowledges the need to enhance both the coverage and effectiveness of its MPAs.
To meet its commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve 30% of its marine areas by 2030, Norway acknowledges the need to enhance both the coverage and effectiveness of its MPAs.
In summary, while Norway has made strides in establishing MPAs, current evaluations suggest that a significant portion of its marine areas lack effective protection. To achieve its 2030 conservation targets, Norway must focus on expanding MPA coverage and enhancing the management and enforcement of these protected zones.
VISION 52 will have some focus on Norway and is engaged already
- in the “Folkeaksjonen LEVE HAVET” in the Lofoten – Vesterålen – Senja region and
- Raet National Park on the Skagarrak coast
and will inform about progress.