The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco has launched a new awareness campaign, “What Are We Waiting For to Be Happy?”, to emphasise the urgent need for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean. This initiative seeks to engage the public in protecting this vital region for the future of the planet.
Timed to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty on December 1, the campaign calls on citizens to support conservation policies, including the “30×30” goal of protecting 30 percent of marine and terrestrial spaces by 2030. This target forms a key commitment of the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022.
The campaign presents a hopeful message, showcasing iconic Antarctic species and offering concrete solutions to address environmental challenges. With the slogan, “What Are We Waiting For to Be Happy?”, it highlights the critical role of MPAs in conserving marine ecosystems and underscores that there is still time to act to preserve the ocean.
Marine Protected Areas are designated zones where human activities are regulated to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices. Monaco’s advocacy for MPAs has been championed by HSH Prince Albert II, whose diplomatic efforts were instrumental in establishing the Ross Sea MPA in 2016, one of the largest protected areas in the world. However, further action is needed to expand these efforts.
Annual negotiations within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are currently focused on the creation of three new MPAs in the Southern Ocean. These proposed zones, covering a total of four million square kilometres, include areas on the western Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, and East Antarctica. These proposed MPAs are vital to achieving global marine conservation goals and preserving biodiversity.
Establishing MPAs in the Southern Ocean represents a crucial step in conserving biodiversity and combating climate change. These zones provide refuges for vulnerable species such as penguins, whales, and krill while limiting industrial activities like fishing, which allows ecosystems to regenerate and strengthens their resilience to climate change. Healthy marine ecosystems also play an essential role in absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating global warming, and reinforcing natural defences against climate change.
The campaign is part of the Oceanographic Institute’s multiyear commitment to polar conservation. Since June 2022, its Mission Polaire exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum has drawn over 1.5 million visitors, raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of polar regions. In May 2023, the Institute became a member of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), actively supporting the MPA proposals under consideration by CCAMLR. Later that year, the Institute organised a scientific and engagement expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, gathering critical data and fostering dialogue between researchers, business leaders, and policymakers.
To further its advocacy, the Oceanographic Institute will release A Plea for Antarctica on November 27, 2024. Published by Flammarion, the book will present scientific findings from the Antarctica 2024 expedition, along with perspectives from business leaders. It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and private sector solutions, advancing marine conservation and accelerating the transition to sustainability.
