2025 Blue Park Nominees: Leading the Charge for Ocean Conservation

Marine Conservation Institute

2025 Blue Park Nominees: Leading the Charge for Ocean Conservation

2025 Blue Park Nominees: Leading the Charge for Ocean Conservation 2092 1209 Ocean Decade

Introducing the 2025 Blue Park Award Nominees

The Blue Park Awards celebrate marine protected areas (MPAs) that stand out as leaders in ocean conservation. These nominees represent promising candidates for one of the most prestigious recognitions in marine protection. They have demonstrated potential to meet the rigorous Blue Park Standard, a science-based benchmark for effective and lasting conservation.

Over the coming weeks, these nominees will undergo a thorough evaluation process, including public comments and a detailed review by our Science Council of 30 international experts. This process ensures that each Blue Park Award recipient represents the highest standards in protecting marine biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, and fostering resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Meet the 2025 Blue Park Nominees

Shark Fin Bay MPA Network, Philippines

Situated in northern Palawan, this 7.6 km² network of four MPAs safeguards tropical coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that host blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and the endangered napoleon wrasse. Managed by the local communities and Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, Shark Fin Bay MPA Network highlights how community-driven conservation restores ecosystems critical for biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Photo: Sulubaaï Foundation

Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, Colombia

Covering 603 km2 in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Gorgona Natural National Park protects tropical coral reefs essential for species like humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. The surrounding waters serve as breeding and calving grounds, supporting regional biodiversity. Managed by Colombia’s National Natural Parks authority, the park fosters conservation, education, and research while preserving its ecological and cultural importance.

Photo: Creative Commons

Parque Nacional Cahuita, Costa Rica

Cahuita National Park, established in 1970, spans 224 km2 of marine area on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. Renowned for its coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, it supports tropical fish, sea turtles, and manatees. Co-managed by the local community of Cahuita and Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas, Cahuita balances biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism, and food security.

Photo: Hans Hillewaert

Kaho’olawe Island Reserve, United States

Kaho’olawe Island Reserve encompasses the entire island and its surrounding waters, preserving coral reefs, algal beds, and sandy beaches critical to Hawaii’s marine biodiversity. Endemic species thrive here, supported by restoration efforts led by the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission. Blending traditional Hawaiian practices with modern conservation, the reserve restores ecosystems while honoring its deep cultural significance.

Photo: Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission

Estação Ecológica de Tamoios, Brazil

Located in Ilha Grande Bay, Tamoios Ecological Station protects marine and coastal habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. These ecosystems support diverse marine life, including endangered species like the Guiana dolphin. Managed by Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, ICMBio), Tamoios promotes biodiversity preservation, facilitates scientific research, and protects traditional communities in this vital region.

Photo: ICMBio

What Happens Next?

The journey to becoming a Blue Park begins here. Public comments are a vital part of the evaluation process, allowing us to incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure a transparent review. Your insights can help identify key strengths or areas for improvement in these nominees.

Following the public comment period, our Science Council will conduct an in-depth assessment to determine which nominees meet the Blue Park Standard. Awardees will join a growing global network of 30 Blue Parks that protect over 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean.

Why It Matters

The ocean is at a tipping point. It faces mounting threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. By recognizing and supporting MPAs that deliver measurable conservation outcomes, the Blue Park Awards are driving global progress toward protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Blue Parks aren’t just symbols of success—they’re a call to action. They demonstrate that protecting the ocean is possible, impactful, and essential for the health of our planet.

How You Can Help

This article was originally published on the website of the Marine Conservation Institute.

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