IMPAC5 Presents Opportunity for Communities to Advance Ocean Conservation

The fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5), February 3-9 in Vancouver, British Columbia, will bring together local and Indigenous communities, organizations, and governments from around the world to chart a course toward protecting 30% of the global ocean by 2030. The conference will be jointly hosted by multiple First Nations — xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh Nation) —together with the province of British Columbia, the government of Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“IMPAC5 will provide a venue for communities with strong connections to the ocean to exchange knowledge and best practices and unite under the shared goal of protecting natural and cultural heritage,” said Shannon Murphy, regional co-lead for Canada for the Blue Nature Alliance. “For the Alliance, IMPAC5 will provide the unique and exciting opportunity for us to convene and spotlight the ambitious conservation work of our partners.” 

Events of note featuring Alliance staff and our partners:

• February 5: Blue Nature Alliance reception: “A Celebratory Evening with Blue Nature Alliance Partners,” 6-10 p.m. PST at the Vancouver Marriot Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, Point Grey Ballroom
• February 6: “Strengthening the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Area Management Using Integrated Sustainable Capacity Development to Ensure Compliance,” 2-3:30 p.m. PST at the Vancouver Convention Center, room 223-224
• February 7: “Effective Partnerships: Key Ingredients for Building Lasting Networks of Protected Ocean Space,” 4-5:30 p.m. PST at the Vancouver Convention Center, room 215-216
• February 8: “Social Equity in Marine Conservation,” 2-3:30 p.m. PST at the Vancouver Convention Center, room 205

We invite you to explore this digital toolkit for more information on conference activities involving the Alliance and our partners and the official conference program for a complete look at the more than 240 planned sessions. Those on social media can follow the conversation at #IMPAC5 and #30x30.