RESOURCES
Here you can find key resources for ocean conservation at scale, learning materials, and resources for potential grantees.
Resources for Ocean Conservation at Scale
IUCN Guidelines for Applying the IUCN Protected Area Management Categories to Marine Protected Areas
These guidelines were developed to increase the accuracy and consistency of assignment and reporting of the IUCN categories when applied to marine and coastal protected areas. Aimed at ensuring that the IUCN categories can be effectively applied to all types of MPAs as well as to any marine components of adjoining terrestrial protected areas, these guidelines provide information for accurately applying the IUCN protected area categories to MPAs.
IUCN Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas: Guidelines for Design and Management
Part of the WCPA Best Practice Protected Areas Guidelines Series, these guidelines provide a starting point and complement current resources for MPA managers. This publication is targeted for anyone involved in supporting Large-Scale MPAs (LSMPAs) and aims to create a solid foundation for which LSMPAs can build their success, developing institutional and individual capacity to manage effectively, equitably, and sustainably. These guidelines were produced and peer-reviewed by an international team of MPA professionals and conservation experts, including the IUCN WCPA LSMPA Task Force and Alliance partner Big Ocean.
An Introduction to the MPA Guide
The Marine Protected Area (MPA) Guide refines existing language and captures a shared vision to describe MPAs and the conservation outcomes they provide. The guide is the work of many hundreds of stakeholders from around the world and is a timely tool to help drive more and better ocean protection. The full version of the MPA Guide is currently in review for scientific publication.
Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
The High Level Panel for A Sustainable Ocean Economy – a joint initiative by the leaders of 14 countries to put forward a new ocean agenda underpinned by sustainable managing 100% of national waters – has developed a transformative set of recommendations and actions to advance a sustainable ocean economy prioritizing a healthy ocean alongside sustainable production to benefit people everywhere. A framework and five areas of transformation are presented with the goal to secure ocean health and wealth for generations to come.
The MPA Guide
The MPA Guide is a science-based tool and framework to identify different types of MPAs and connect these types of MPAs with the outcomes they are expected to achieve.
Peer Learning and Communities of Practice
Big Ocean
Big Ocean is the only peer-learning network created ‘by managers for managers’ of large-scale marine areas. Since its inception in 2010, the network has grown to include 17 sites, represented by their management teams. Big Ocean focuses on management and best practice with the goal of supporting sites and growing the field of Large-Scale MPAs. Its network and available resources develop and enhance professional standards of practice, and long-term, effective management of large-scale marine areas.
PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet
PANORAMA is a partnership initiative to document and promote examples of inspiring, replicable solutions across a range of conservation and sustainable development topics – including marine and coastal conservation – to enable cross-sectoral learning and inspiration. PANORAMA allows practitioners to share and reflect on their experiences, increase recognition for successful work, and to learn with their peers.
IW:LEARN
IW:LEARN is the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network. Established to strengthen transboundary water management around the globe by collecting and sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions, IW:LEARN promotes learning among project managers, country officials, implementing agencies, and other partners. IW:LEARN provides a range of services including regional training workshops, project twinning, experience notes, and learning exchanges.
Resources for Blue Nature Alliance Grantees
Code of Conduct
The Blue Nature Alliance has developed a Code of Conduct to guide and facilitate the integration of human dimensions into its site scoping, development of site engagement framework, and during implementation. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to advance and promote collaborative and equitable conservation, enhance the social and ecological outcomes of Alliance’s investment in sites, and ensure the legitimacy and durability of marine conservation.
CI-GEF Project Agency Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
The ESMF is based on the GEF’s Minimum Standards on Environmental and Social Safeguards and Gender Mainstreaming as well as current Conservation International policies and international best practices. The document outlines actions to ensure that CI-GEF project related adverse environmental and social impacts are avoided or, when unavoidable, minimized and appropriately mitigated and/or offset.
Blue Nature Alliance Grievance Mechanism Manual
The Blue Nature Alliance is committed to recognizing and respecting the rights of our partners and stakeholders as well as employing inclusive decision-making practices. A grievance mechanism has been created to facilitate timely responses and appropriate resolutions to any complaints that may arise from our partners and stakeholders. Information on its purpose and appropriate use may be found in this manual.
CI Guidelines for Recognizing & Responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
These guidelines will help to ensure the project’s impacts on gender roles and inequalities are well understood and can help to guide the design of gender-responsive projects. The key steps highlighted will aid in the understanding of, preventing, and responding to GBV in conservation projects.
Impact Reports
Ocean Conservation Heroes
Spanning July 2022 through June 2023, this report showcases ocean conservation heroes and stories from our partner network, including projects in Colombia, the Great Bear Sea, the high seas, Ireland, New Caledonia, Niue, Panama, Tristan da Cunha, and Africa’s Western Indian Ocean region.
Ocean Conservation Journeys: Stories from Around the World
This report features reflections from the first year of the Blue Nature Alliance (July 2021 through June 2022) and spotlights the incredible work of our partners working on the frontlines to improve, expand, or establish new marine protected areas.