Asia leads large-scale ocean protection efforts, aiming for 30% by 2030

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The Ultimate Guide to Asia's Large-Scale Ocean Protection Efforts A Vendetta Against Decline

Asia has long been a global leader in coastal protection, boasting the highest nearshore marine biodiversity worldwide. However, the region now faces an unprecedented threat the urgent need for large-scale marine protection. To address this challenge, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and communities are coming together to safeguard 30 percent of the world's oceans by 2030.

The Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area Workshop

In November 2025, the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop was held in Iloilo City, bringing together representatives from governments, academia, and NGOs. The workshop aimed to address the pressing issues facing Asia's oceans, including pollution, climate change, illegal fishing, sea-level rise, and habitat destruction.

The Big Ocean Movement A Call to Action

Big Ocean Director Naiʻa Lewis emphasized Asia's potential to lead the charge in large-scale ocean protection. Asia can be a trailblazer, creating a 'Big Ocean 2.0,' leading the second wave of large-scale protection and showing the world that fisheries, food security, and conservation can be addressed together. The Big Ocean movement is designed by and for managers of large-scale marine areas, with technical and financial support from the Alliance.

Science-Based Strategies for Effective Conservation

The workshop highlighted the urgency to extend marine protection to areas beyond 12 nautical miles through advancing science-policy-community interrelationships. Participants emphasized the importance of responding to the main pressures on Asia's marine ecosystems, including pollution, climate change, illegal fishing, sea-level rise, and habitat destruction.

Challenges and Opportunities for Growth

Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for growth and innovation in ocean protection. The workshop identified key takeaways, including

Aligning marine conservation with food security objectives
Developing long-term and equitable financing mechanisms with government support
Harmonizing ocean-related policies for easier adoption
Enhancing public participation in conservation

The Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area A Model for Success

One ambitious project is the proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area, implemented by ZSL in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Management Area 1, and the Alliance. This project aims to protect approximately 150,000 square kilometers of ocean, potentially making it Asia's largest single marine protected area (MPA) and supporting long-term food security.

Partnership is Key to Ocean Conservation

The Blue Nature Alliance maintains that partnership is key to advancing ocean conservation. We are working with over 130 partners globally to advance ocean conservation in 5 percent of the world's ocean as a significant contribution to the global 30x30 goal, said Laure Katz, executive director of the Blue Nature Alliance.

Conclusion A Call to Action

The ultimate guide to Asia's large-scale ocean protection efforts is clear partnership, science-based strategies, and community-driven action are key to achieving the ambitious goal of safeguarding 30 percent of the world's oceans by 2030. The vendetta against decline must be won through collaboration and innovation in marine conservation.

Subheadings

A Vendetta Against Decline
The Big Ocean Movement A Call to Action
Science-Based Strategies for Effective Conservation
Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
The Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area A Model for Success
Partnership is Key to Ocean Conservation

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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