Underwater passages linking the Tuamotu Islands' atolls with the open ocean, providing an opportunity for scuba divers to effortlessly swim alongside triggerfish and wrasses. A useful tip: Prepare by practicing with currents prior to diving.
In the quest to safeguard the planet's most pristine marine habitats, the Pristine Seas initiative stands as a leading global effort for ocean conservation. Led by Enric Sala, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, this project combines exploration, scientific research, and media to inspire governments and country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean—remote marine ecosystems that remain relatively untouched by human activity.
Enric Sala, a passionate marine biologist, launched the Pristine Seas initiative with a clear mission: to explore, research, and create awareness to protect the ocean's last wild places. The core goal of this initiative is to support the creation and effective management of large marine protected areas (MPAs) where ocean life can thrive undisturbed.
To date, Pristine Seas has helped catalyse the establishment of over 30 marine reserves, protecting more than 6.9 million square kilometers of ocean. These protected areas help safeguard biodiversity, increase fish populations, support global food security, and contribute to mitigating climate change by protecting ecosystems that store carbon.
The Pristine Seas initiative is actively supporting global efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, a target aligned with international conservation goals. The initiative’s approach integrates rigorous scientific research with compelling storytelling and media exhibitions—such as the National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition at the National Aquarium—to raise public awareness and inspire policy change.
Through scientific expeditions, media storytelling, advocacy, and partnerships with governments, Pristine Seas is making a significant impact in the world of ocean conservation. The initiative offers a glimpse into the undersea world we're striving to protect, providing abundant opportunities for adventurers to explore and appreciate the beauty of the ocean.
It is important to note that only three percent of the ocean is currently protected. The goal of the Pristine Seas initiative is to save the ocean's last wild places, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable ocean for future generations.
For more information about the Pristine Seas initiative and its 20 dive sites spanning the globe, visit the website and collaborate with Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala. Together, we can make a difference in protecting our planet's oceans.
- Enric Sala, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, plans expeditions to uncover the beauty and importance of the ocean's last wild places in Antarctica, focusing on species like penguins and marine life.
- The Pristine Seas initiative, under Sala's leadership, uses photography to capture the stunning nature of these pristine marine habitats, aiming to inspire environmental-science literature and climate-change awareness.
- As part of the Pristine Seas project, Sala's team conducts extensive research on these remote ecosystems, bringing new insights into the science of the ocean and its role in the planet's health.
- The expedition's findings highlight the need for adventure-seekers to support the initiative's mission, working together to establish more large marine protected areas (MPAs) across the globe to accommodate diverse species.
- In addition to the scientific research, the Pristine Seas initiative collaborates with governments to implement policies that protect our oceans, ensuring the survival of these wild species and the sustainability of our planet.
- The initiative's strategic approach to ocean conservation includes public awareness campaigns, such as the National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition, which help build support for the 30% by 2030 goal set by international conservation proponents.
- Through the Pristine Seas initiative, sports enthusiasts can join exploration trips and experience firsthand the breathtaking undersea landscapes, fostering a lifelong commitment to protecting the ocean and fighting climate-change.
- Your partnership with Enric Sala and the Pristine Seas initiative can contribute significantly to safeguarding the last wild places on the planet, ensuring a thriving and healthy ocean for future generations.
