On November 7, 2023, at The Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Singapore, WildAid’s Marine Program received the prestigious Earthshot Prize! Of the hundreds of applications received by the Earthshot Committee, they determined that—in the category of Revive Our Oceans—WildAid is most deserving of the honor. 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!