MPA Congress
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other area-based management tools (OECMs) have been proved to protect the ocean and bring multiple benefits. In 2022, we bid to bring the 6th International MPA Congress (IMPAC6) to Aotearoa NZ. We came second after Sénégal.
We worked with Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa to form a joint bid to bring the 6th International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC6) to Aotearoa New Zealand. In February 2023, we attended IMPAC5 and arrived second, after Sénégal. This forms a solid basis for a future IMPAC7 bid, with our South Pacific partners.
We believe our country is uniquely positioned to advance marine protection tools, and shine a light across the world. Aotearoa New Zealand as a bicultural nation can offer a different world view, through Indigenous knowledge and Te Ao Māori, so relevant in these times of climate and biodiversity crisis and that can benefit humanity.
Alongside Te Āti Awa, we are working with Tourism New Zealand , Wellington Events and Tākina Convention Centre, to foster dialogue about marine conservation and especially help the ocean, its ecosystems and species. We have also received extended support from nonprofits, societies and companies across the country and the Pacific region.
MPAs include marine spatial plans, marine reserves, while OECMs include customary tools rāhui, taiāpure and māitaitai. Our goal is to support the emergence of a new joint mātauranga Māori and ecosystem-based framework for the management of Aotearoa’s ocean, with strong protection.
Watch our IMPAC5 Videos below:
