Marine protected area networks as tools for Ocean Science Diplomacy: Global lessons from the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Marine protected area (MPA) networks are critical for the transboundary protection of marine species and habitats. At an international level, they bring together countries to conserve shared marine resources, sometimes in regions with political tensions. This cooperation to conceive solutions to common threats to the ocean among countries with adversarial political relationships is termed “Ocean Science Diplomacy” (OSD). The purpose of this Short Communication is to describe how the Gulf of Mexico MPA Network (RedGolfo) embodies OSD, as well as to show how MPA networks have been used globally as tools for OSD. RedGolfo is a network of 11 MPAs in Mexico, Cuba, and the United States and it was created in 2017 despite decades of political tension. As the members of RedGolfo have worked to determine the network’s priorities and objectives, they have found great value in looking to lessons learned from other MPA networks. Connecting MPA networks globally will accelerate the implementation of best practices so that global conservation targets (e.g., Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework) can be reached.