SOS Somos OceanoS: TRANSFORMING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

In a world where ocean degradation threatens communities and ecosystems alike, fostering a relationship with the ocean rooted in stewardship and diverse knowledge systems offers a pathway to securing ocean health and productivity for future generations. Somos OceanoS (SOS), the oceans programme of Onewater, embodies this approach using its innovative 3-in-1 model, uniting scientific tools, community partnerships and ocean literacy to bring about ocean stewardship and a shared responsibility for the ocean’s well-being. 

Firstly, SOS leverages the Paper Park Index (PPI), a novel tool developed by SOS founder Dr. Veronica Relano, to evaluate the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) worldwide. The index is instrumental in identifying MPAs that exist only on paper versus those that genuinely contribute to ocean resilience, helping to better inform multi-level ocean management and policy development. For instance, a 2023 study showed that many MPAs experience high levels of fishing activity despite their "fully protected" status, demonstrating the typical characteristics of paper parks. Overall, the PPI identified 55 likely ‘paper parks’ (approximately 30% of the 184 MPAs examined). Notably, 10 of the 11 MPAs with the highest PPI scores were previously identified as having limited protection, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to assess MPA effectiveness and improve ocean management. 

Secondly, SOS complements this scientific tool with a strong, community-driven approach that deepens understanding of the unique connections between coastal communities and their MPAs. For example, to date SOS has produced two documentaries, one in Mexico and another in Argentina, that involved documenting the perspectives of a wide variety of local stakeholders and partners within these communities to encourage them to demand greater equity in MPA management as well as to motivate their participation in decision making processes. These documentaries were shared with both local and international audiences, ranging from informal movie nights in the MPAs to high-profile global events like World Water Week and COP27. By amplifying these voices, SOS not only informs more inclusive and equitable policies but also empowers communities as ocean guardians and essential stakeholders in MPA management. 

Thirdly, SOS promotes holistic ocean literacy by integrating multiple knowledge systems–scientific, local, Indigenous–into hands-on community engagement initiatives. SOS facilitates interviews, intergenerational workshops, youth initiatives, cultural contests (e.g. drawing contests (for children), the photo contest (for teenagers) and the poems (adults)) and roundtables, to empower community members to share their unique knowledge and perspectives while co-learning about marine conservation practices and management strategies. 

SOS will present several flagship activities conducted at both local and global levels that aim to incorporate multiple knowledge systems and foster a more inclusive framework for ocean governance—one that honors cultural connections to the sea and promotes sustainable practices. Through these initiatives, SOS underscores the importance of holistic, participatory approaches that balance scientific insights with the lived experiences of local communities. This approach is essential for effectively conserving marine environments and strengthening the resilience of both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.