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 of the prestigious Earthshot Prize 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 for illegally caught fish.
WildAid’s marine protection and enforcement expertise is changing the fate of vulnerable ocean life and habitats in 96 vulnerable marine protected areas (MPAs) in 16 countries across the world. There is a global movement to increase the number of these vital MPAs worldwide. Nearly every single nation on Earth has committed to the 30×30 pledge to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Yet more than 60% of MPAs lack effective enforcement, meaning they are nothing more than lines on a map. WildAid and our local partners have a unique and critical role to play in meeting the 30×30 goal. With 20 years of experience on the sea we have pioneered a successful approach to safeguarding MPAs. Worldwide, our efforts have increased the likelihood of survival for 8,500+ species of ocean life.
We are deeply grateful to receive the £1 million Earthshot Prize in recognition of the powerful positive impact we have on the health of our oceans.
P.S. Donate today to help us change the fate of ocean life and habitat. Make your contribution by December 31, 2023, and it will be doubled in impact by a matching gift!
Stay in touch and get the latest WildAid updates.
SIGN UPAbout WildAid
WildAid is a non-profit organization with a mission to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid primarily works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products such as elephant ivory, rhino horn and shark fin soup. With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors and a global network of media partners, WildAid leverages more than $308 million in annual pro-bono media support with a simple message: When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too.
Journalists on deadline may email communications@wildaid.org