Draft:Blue Parks

Blue Parks

The Blue Park Initiative was developed in 2017 by Marine Conservation Institute, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Elliott Norse in 1996. The initiative focuses on accelerating and incentivizing the establishment of strongly regulated, well- managed, and strategically located marine protected areas (MPAs) to effectively protect biodiversity. The Blue Park program strives to build a global network that celebrates outstanding conservation work with well-designed, strongly protected, and effectively administrated MPAs. As of April 2024, a global network of 30 Blue Parks has been established covering 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean, equal to 1% of the world's ocean. The program uses science-based criteria known as the Blue Park criteria. This set of standards serves as a benchmark for effective marine conservation in the designation and management of MPAs. The MPAs that meet the rigorous Blue Park standards - demonstrating strong protections for biologically significant areas - are eligible for the Blue Park Awards. The award recognizes their ecological importance and effectiveness in marine protection and comes with international recognition and a monetary reward. The Blue Park initiative is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, supporting global efforts toward the 30x30 goal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Protect Life Below Water.

Nomination Process

MPAs may be nominated year-round by completing the Blue Park nomination form which is accessible on the Marine Conservation Institute's website. The nominations undergo an annual review process, during which experts provide their insights, and the public offers their comments. Following this phase, the nominations together with public feedback, are forwarded to The Science Council. The council is comprised of international marine scientists who determine the award status, ranging from Silver to Gold or Platinum.

Awarded Blue Parks


 * Gitdisdzu Lugyeks Marine Protected Area, Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation (2024)
 * Siete Pecados Marine Park, The Philippines (2024)
 * Tristan da Cunha, United Kingdom (2024)
 * Área de Recursos Manejados Cordillera de Coiba, Panama. (2023)
 * Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes e Estaçao Ecológica Tupinambás, Brazil. (2023)
 * Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area, UK. (2023)
 * Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Kepulauan Raja Ampat, Indonesia (2022)
 * El Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon, Colombia (2022)
 * Apo Reef Natural Park, The Philippines (2022)
 * Parque Nacional Jardines de la Reina, Cuba (2021)
 * Parque Nacional Revillagigedo, Mexico (2021)
 * Nacionalni Park Brijuni, Croatia (2021)
 * Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve, Kenya (2021)
 * Parque Nacional Marinho Dos Abrolhos, Brazil. (2020)
 * Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve, Seychelles. (2019)
 * Arnavon Community Marine Park, Solomon Islands (2019)
 * Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary, Tanzania. (2019)
 * Reserva Marina de Galápagos, Ecuador (2019)
 * Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. (2019)
 * Marine Protected Areas around the Northern Channel Islands, Channel islands (2019)
 * Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto, Italy (2019)
 * Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, New Zeeland. (2018)
 * Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, France. (2018)
 * Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Bahamas. (2018)
 * Ilhas Selvagens, Portugal. (2018)
 * Misool Marine Reserve, Indonesia. (2018)
 * Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Australia (2018)
 * Santuario de Flora y Fauna de Malpelo, Colombia. (2017)
 * Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, United States (2017)
 * Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, The Philippines (2017)