Project Pioneers an Innovative, Easily Accessible Platform with Insightful Guidance, Decision-Support Tools, and Practical Knowledge for Marine Practitioners

VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ocean conservation managers and practitioners, global experts, and high-level officials are convening for the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5) from February 3-9 in Vancouver, Canada, to take a stand to protect the ocean.

IMPAC5 is known as the preeminent conference for the exchange of knowledge within the global community of marine conservation managers, practitioners, and decision makers. It provides the opportunity to highlight the latest science and share experiences and best practices to strengthen the conservation of marine biodiversity and protect the natural and cultural heritage of the ocean.

A symposium at IMPAC5 entitled “Innovations in Improving Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)” provided an exclusive preview of a new online platform for the planning and management of MPAs. The learning platform guides MPA planners and practitioners through practical approaches to addressing key challenges that they face. This symposium brought together voices from all sides of marine conservation, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing to improve ocean management amongst stakeholders at every level.

With less than 3% of the ocean effectively protected, there is an urgent need to strengthen our efforts globally to increase marine areas under protection. We must also improve the effectiveness of marine protected areas in achieving their conservation and sustainability goals. The recently adopted Global Biodiversity Framework includes key objectives for protecting 30% of the planet’s marine and terrestrial areas and restoring degraded land and seascapes by 2030.

Dr. Lizzie McLeod, Global Reefs Lead for The Nature Conservancy noted, “Harnessing lessons learned and best practices globally to achieve these ambitious targets in ocean management is a conservation priority including the co-creation of solutions with key partners.”

By leveraging scientific innovation and new technologies and global best practices, marine managers are better able to tackle major threats facing marine ecosystems around the world. “MPAs are key to ocean health and sustainable development. But they are not always effective without a range of support. Decision support tools that enable improved MPA design and management, knowledge sharing, and collaboration are needed to give marine stakeholders the support they need to better protect the oceans,” said Ole Vestergaard, Programme Officer, United Nations Environment Programme.

"Mary Kay is delighted to support TNC, in collaboration with UNEP and other experts from around the world, in an effort to protect our world's most precious assets: oceans," said Deborah Gibbins, Mary Kay’s Chief Operating Officer. "These organizations are on the frontlines of the fight to preserve our waterways, and we're hopeful that with Mary Kay's funding support, they'll have the tools and resources needed to ensure our oceans are healthy for generations to come.”

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 79 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty company in 1963 with one goal: enriching women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in enriching lives today for a sustainable tomorrow, partnering with organizations from around the world focusing on promoting business excellence, supporting cancer research, advancing gender equality, protecting survivors of domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

Contacts

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications marykay.com/newsroom 972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com Karen Foerstel Director, Conservation Communications Strategy, Global Marketing and Comms 917.652.2642 or kfoerstel@TNC.ORG The Nature Conservancy