The Global 2012 Challenge for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA Networks in National Waters and on the High Seas

Since 2002, a succession of world gatherings have proclaimed the urgent need for effective Marine Protected Areas with a set of targets, most coming due in 2012:

• In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) called for the establishment of a global system of MPA networks by 2012, including areas on the high seas.
• In 2003, the 5th World Parks Congress called on countries to establish a global system of MPA networks to greatly increase the marine and coastal area covered. Highly protected areas (no-take zones) were to comprise at least 20-30% of each habitat.
• In 2003, the Evian Agreement signed by the G8 Group of Nations called for the creation of ecosystem networks of marine protected areas under international law by 2012.
• In 2004, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agreed to the establishment and maintenance of MPAs to contribute to a global network, recognising that CMS and various regional agreements that would help fulfill this work.
• In 2008, the IUCN World Conservation Congress called on nations to accelerate progress toward the 2012 MPA network and high seas goals.
• In December 2008, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) will deliberate contributing more directly to MPA development and management for migratory marine species, as a contribution to the 2012 targets.

Progress Toward Meeting the Global 2012 Challenge

As of 2007, the MPA Global Database includes some 5,000 MPAs worldwide. Only about 350 MPAs are known to protect cetacean habitat.

Recent advances will be expanded as new information comes in.

• 2006, Northern Marianas, Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia announce the Micronesian Challenge
• 2007, ACCOBAMS proposes 17 marine protected areas
• 2007, US designates the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument
• 2008, Kiribati creates the Phoenix Islands Protected Area
• 2008, WDCS launches the "12 for 2012" Global MPA Campaign
• 2008, MCBI, IUCN, WCPA and Chantecaille Beauté announce the promotion of High Seas Gems.