Motion 027

The motion for the establishment of a Marine Biodiversity Conservation Area (MBCA) in Macaronesia aligns with global conservation priorities and leverages the region's unique ecological, economic, and cultural significance. Macaronesia, encompassing the Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde, represents a biodiversity hotspot with rich endemic marine species, critical habitats for migratory cetaceans, and vital ecosystem services. However, escalating threats such as climate change, pollution, overfishing, and anthropogenic noise necessitate urgent and coordinated action.

Background and Rationale
Macaronesia is part of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), one of the most productive upwelling systems globally. This motion supports commitments under WCC-2016-Res-050, emphasizing the need to enhance MPA coverage, and aligns with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for conserving 30% of marine areas by 2030 through ecologically representative and well-connected systems. The MBCA will ensure the long-term conservation of Macaronesia’s biodiversity, promote ecosystem resilience, and secure sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Existing frameworks, such as the United Nations High Seas Treaty, offer opportunities for transboundary cooperation, but a motion is essential to galvanize political, financial, and societal support specific to the Macaronesia region. A motion will enable action at both national and international levels, ensuring that conservation objectives are not hindered by fragmented governance or resource limitations.

Resources Required
- Financial Resources: An estimated €20–30 million over five years, sourced from international conservation funds, national budgets, and public-private partnerships, to support research, monitoring, enforcement, and capacity-building efforts.
- Human Resources: Scientific expertise for biodiversity assessments, legal and policy specialists for governance frameworks, and community outreach personnel to ensure equitable stakeholder engagement.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Investment in monitoring systems (e.g., satellite surveillance, acoustic monitoring) and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with conservation regulations.


The motion prioritizes:
1. Establishing governance frameworks for the MBCA, leveraging cooperation among Portugal, Spain, and Cabo Verde, with technical support from IUCN.
2. Enhancing public awareness and stakeholder participation to foster ownership of conservation efforts.
3. Strengthening scientific research and biodiversity monitoring to inform adaptive management practices.

Why a Motion is Required
While alternative strategies such as bilateral agreements or NGO-led initiatives are valuable, they lack the political leverage and international recognition afforded by an IUCN motion. The motion enables formal engagement of all relevant stakeholders, ensures alignment with global conservation targets, and facilitates access to resources. Additionally, it establishes the Macaronesia MBCA as a model for regional collaboration in marine biodiversity conservation, setting a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.

The adoption of this motion will empower governments, NGOs, and communities to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of Macaronesia and its vital ecosystem services, ensuring ecological, social, and economic benefits for present and future generations.