The Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES) is a Marine Conservation Institute incentive program that recognizes exemplary MPAs. GLORES awards are given to MPAs that meet science-based design, regulations and management standards, similar to the way LEED™ certification promotes ecologically sustainable buildings. It provides credible recognition to incentivize new and better ocean protections.
"We are honoured to receive this platinum Global Ocean Refuge award. There is no greater encouragement and motivation to do better than to be recognized by peers and fellow practitioners. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the rest of the world to secure our ocean for this and for future generations of humankind."
Angelique M. Songco, Manager - Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, The Philippines
GLORES: Creating incentives for exemplary MPAs
The Global Ocean Refuge System sets science-based MPA standards to promote effective design and management while discouraging the creation of “paper parks” that do not deliver conservation benefits. Today, there are over 15,000 marine protected areas, but many allow destructive activities, like bottom trawling, or other extractive activities. GLORES awards guide attention and conservation investments towards blue parks that actually benefit our oceans. We are also developing the GLORES Accelerator program to guide new MPAs towards proven standards for success, with the goal that they will someday become Global Ocean Refuges.
Awarding outstanding marine conservation sites in US, Colombia and the Philippines
We awarded three Platinum Global Ocean Refuges in 2017—Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the U.S., Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Colombia and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines. We’re excited to award more MPAs this year, and the new GLORES nominees are in. Our staff is currently preparing detailed reviews of the nominees in collaboration with their managers.
Working in partnership with Too Big To Ignore
The results will be shared with our GLORES Science Council, a group of esteemed scientists that includes TBTI Project Director Dr. Ratana Chuenpagdee. The GLORES Science Council will decide which nominees earn Global Ocean Refuge status and the appropriate award level for each. The next Global Ocean Refuges will be awarded this fall, and we will work with GLORES Partners like Too Big To Ignore to promote these outstanding conservation sites.
Learn more about GLORES
You can learn more about the Global Ocean Refuge System on our website, globaloceanrefuge.org, and across our social media channels:
- Twitter: @savingoceans
- Facebook: @MarineConservationInstitute
- Instagram: @savingoceans
Please reach out to our GLORE Director and Senior Scientist Dr. Sarah Hameed, sarah.hameed@marine-conservation.org, to learn more about the initiative and how you can be involved. You can also sign up for our newsletters to stay current on all Marine Conservation Institute projects. Together, we can save our ocean’s wildest places!
