Mission Blue and IUCN partner to advance One Ocean Partnership

Mission Blue and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have announced a collaboration to advance the One Ocean Partnership. This initiative aims to accelerate locally led ocean conservation by connecting coastal communities with scientific expertise, partnerships, and necessary financing to develop regenerative seascapes.

The partnership integrates IUCN’s regenerative seascape approach, previously utilized under its Great Blue Wall initiative, with Mission Blue’s network of Hope Spots—ocean areas of critical ecological importance managed by local leaders. The collaboration was announced by Mission Blue founder Dr. Sylvia Earle and IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak during Climate Week NYC 2026.

Additionally, the Pure Ocean initiative is seeking projects focused on marine conservation managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples. This specific call for projects is restricted to initiatives located in mainland France or its overseas territories, including the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.