The ocean, our planet’s lifeblood, is home to a staggering array of biodiversity. In 2026, six exceptional marine protected areas were celebrated for their outstanding conservation efforts at the undicesima Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. These areas, spanning diverse ecosystems and management models, were awarded the prestigious Blue Park Awardsrecognizing their excellence in marine conservation.
The Blue Park Awards is a scientific evaluation system that assesses marine protected areas based on six key criteria: design, governance, protection level, management, enforcement, and operational capacity. The selection process is overseen by an international council of marine conservation experts, convened by the Marine Conservation Institutea U.S.-based nonprofit organization. Award winners join the Blue Park Networka global alliance of 40 certified marine protected areas across 30 countries and indigenous territories.
The 2026 Blue Park Award Winners
This year’s winners represent a diverse range of conservation approaches and international collaborations. From federal-provincial partnerships to indigenous community-led initiatives, these marine protected areas demonstrate the power of collective effort in preserving our ocean’s treasures.
The Banc-des-Americains: A Canadian First
The Banc-des-Americainslocated in Canada, is the first marine protected area to emerge from a federal-provincial collaboration between the Canadian government and Quebec. This cooperative effort is notable, as co-management between different levels of government, coastal communities, and indigenous partners requires significant time and compromise.
Kawawana: Senegal’s Indigenous Heritage
From Senegal comes Kawawanaan indigenous community heritage area in the Mangagoulack region. The protection of this zone is driven by the local fishermen’s association, which manages the area based on traditional ecological knowledge. This approach highlights the importance of integrating indigenous wisdom into modern conservation strategies.
Te Moana Tapu a Hotu Matu’a: Rapa Nui’s Conservation Milestone
The marine protected area of Rapa Nuiknown as Te Moana Tapu a Hotu Matu’ais the first in Chile to feature formal co-management that recognizes the authority of the Rapa Nui people. The indigenous Ocean Council, Koro Nui o Te Vaikava o Rapa Nuihas been operational for eight years. This recognition at the 2026 Ocean Conference marks a significant achievement for their dedicated efforts.
Madagascar’s Triple Triumph
Madagascar emerged as a standout performer in 2026, securing three of the six Blue Park Awards. The Nosy Hara National ParkNosy Tanikely National Parkand the Sahamalaza-Isole Radama National Park were lauded for their exceptional conservation efforts. Candicia Bikiny, director of Nosy Hara, attributed this success to anni di duro lavoro (years of hard work) and emphasized the importance of looking towards future generations. This recognition underscores the value of long-term commitment to marine conservation.
Expanding the Blue Park Network
With the addition of these six new areas, the Blue Park Network now covers approximately 732,000 square kilometers of the ocean. These protected areas showcase a variety of management models, from federal reserves to indigenous community-led initiatives, with a particular focus on binational co-management involving local fishermen and authorities. The common thread among these winners is their active commitment to protecting ocean life through concrete initiatives.
In addition to the six new awards, two previously recognized areas received special acknowledgments for maintaining their high standards for over five years. The Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, awarded in 2019, and the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve in Kenya, titled in 2026, were commended for their continued excellence in conservation. This recognition highlights the importance of sustained effort in protecting marine habitats, even in the face of increasing tourism.
