HarmonyVote
Global Marine Protected Areas Expansion Act
Abstract:
This act calls for a coordinated international effort to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 through the expansion and enforcement of ecologically representative and effectively managed marine protected areas (MPAs).
Description:
Description:
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30x30 Ocean Protection Goal:
Commit to protecting a minimum of 30% of the ocean by 2030, aligning with global biodiversity targets. This includes coastal, pelagic, deep-sea, and high seas regions. -
Ecological Gap Analysis and Prioritization:
Conduct science-based assessments to identify underrepresented ecosystems, biodiversity hotspots, and migration routes for key marine species to guide MPA expansion priorities. -
Legal Designation and Binding Protection Measures:
Legally designate new MPAs with strong, enforceable regulations that prohibit destructive activities such as bottom trawling, seabed mining, oil and gas drilling, and illegal fishing. -
High Seas Protection Framework:
Support the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty to establish protected areas beyond national jurisdiction, managed collaboratively under UN oversight. -
Indigenous and Coastal Community Involvement:
Ensure Indigenous peoples and local coastal communities are central to MPA governance, including co-management agreements and recognition of customary marine tenure. -
Funding and Enforcement Capacity:
Create a global ocean protection fund to finance MPA enforcement, monitoring, and community support, particularly in low-income and small island nations. Use satellite surveillance and AI tools for real-time monitoring. -
Restoration and Resilience Programs:
Include coral reef recovery, mangrove reforestation, and kelp forest restoration within MPAs to boost ecosystem resilience against climate change and ocean acidification. -
Public Awareness and Sustainable Tourism:
Promote education and eco-tourism initiatives that increase public support for MPAs and generate sustainable income for host communities.
Possible Outcomes and Implications:
- Preservation of marine biodiversity, fish stocks, and ecosystem services critical to food security and climate regulation.
- Greater resilience of coastal regions to storms, sea-level rise, and warming oceans.
- Global leadership in ocean stewardship and compliance with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Stronger international cooperation in protecting the high seas and closing governance gaps.
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Voting Instructions:
- If you support the "Global Marine Protected Areas Expansion Act", respond with "Yes."
- If you do not support the act, respond with "No."
- If you have suggestions for modifications or additional points, please share them.