On November 7, 2023, at The Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Singapore, Prince William and The Earthshot Prize named WildAid’s Marine Program the Winner in the ‘Revive Our Oceans’ category.
This acknowledgment on the world stage comes at a critical moment. Our oceans are in trouble. Half of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed in recent decades. More than a hundred million sharks are killed each year for their fins and other parts, and 6 out of 7 sea turtle species face extinction. Illegal fishing is widespread, feeding a $23 billion annual black market.
Wild
Aid’s marine protection and enforcement expertise is changing the fate of vulnerable ocean life and habitats in 96 priority marine protected areas (MPAs) in 16 countries worldwide.
There is a global movement to increase the number of these vital MPAs worldwide. Nearly every nation on Earth has committed to the 30×30 pledge to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030. Yet more than 60 percent of MPAs lack effective enforcement, meaning they are just lines on a map.
WildAid and our local partners have a unique and critical role in meeting the 30×30 goal. With 20 years of experience on the sea, we have pioneered a successful model that cost-effectively safeguards MPAs and coastal fisheries. WildAid empowers partners and local communities to protect and strengthen the ocean, allowing fisheries, marine wildlife, coral reefs, blue carbon habitats, and coastal communities to thrive.
“The creation of MPAs and sustainable fisheries is an important step in protecting the world’s oceans. Yet, many countries struggle to make these protections a reality. WildAid’s Marine program is an answer to this problem. By encouraging collaboration, sharing proven enforcement strategies, and bringing together a passionate community of ocean conservationists, we’re not only fulfilling the potential of MPAs but also sparking a worldwide movement for ocean protection. We are grateful to The Earthshot Prize for recognising our efforts.” -Meaghan Brosnan, Chief Executive Officer of WildAid
The Earthshot Prize is supported by the Global Alliance, an unprecedented network of organizations worldwide committed to amplifying change that will repair our planet over the next ten years. Alliance members include Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bezos Earth Fund, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Bill Gates, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and Rob Walton Foundation, among many others.