MPAs are essential for the sustainability of marine ecosystems

Marine ecosystems are immensely varied both in type and geographical extent. They encompass oceans, seas, salt marshes, intertidal zones, estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, coral reefs, the deep sea and the sea floor. Covering about 70% of the earth’s surface, these ecosystems play a crucial role in human welfare, by providing social, economic and environmental benefits to the world’s growing population. Today, environmental problems are increasingly worrying and many initiatives are being taken to address them. Among these initiatives, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have become an essential tool for restoring, strengthening and protecting marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems. MPAs can also help maintain the sustainability of industries such as fishing, tourism and navigation, while protecting vulnerable marine habitats and species. They are designed to protect fragile ecosystems, species and marine habitats, while allowing sustainable use of natural resources.

« MPAs are increasingly recognized around the world as one of the most effective tools for conserving and protecting the marine environment when they are effectively managed and have the means to address local management issues. »

-MedPAN

The problem facing maritime decision-makers today is to decide where and how to deploy these marine protected areas. Indeed, it is a complex task that involves a lot of research and expertise on the analysis of maritime data to be exploited and then put in place an action plan. Many factors must be taken into account such as geography, biodiversity, the economic and social interests of local communities, as well as the management and monitoring capabilities of MPAs. Despite these challenges, the implementation of MPAs is essential to preserve biodiversity and marine resources for future generations. Maritime decision-makers must be ready to identify them and work with stakeholders to ensure the success of MPAs.

It is in the face of this problem that Keyseaobs conceived KSO Blue, an innovative platform using advanced tools and AI models to help decision-makers make informed decisions on the implementation of MPAs. KSO Blue uses spatial data and simulation models to assess the impact of the different deployment options on marine ecosystems, human activities and economic activities related to the sea. These tools allow decision-makers to visualize the different deployment scenarios of MPAs, assess their impact on marine ecosystems and estimate the associated economic costs and benefits. Maritime actors are able to identify the most important areas for conservation using scientific criteria, assess the potential impacts of different MPA management options, involve local stakeholders and obtain their support in decision-making, establish long-term MPA management plans to ensure their success through the analysis of maritime data and the recommendations and projections used on KSO Blue.

Decision support for the deployment of MPAs is essential because it ensures that policies are based on solid scientific data, which contributes to the protection of the environment and the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

« MPAs are a crucial component to help ensure marine conservation and sustainable use »

-OECD

In conclusion, the exploitation of marine data for the deployment of marine protected areas is essential for the conservation of the marine environment and the sustainability of natural resources. The recommendations and projections made by AI on our platform KSO Blue support decision-makers in finding the best solution to meet conservation objectives while minimizing impacts on local economic activities. Keyseaobs is committed to helping preserve marine biodiversity and promote sustainable development for future generations. Experience shows that it is in the best interest of communities, governments, businesses, industries and financial institutions to structure their involvement in their MPAs and coordinate their efforts towards sustainability. Keyseaobs technology is glad to help them make a significant step in that direction.

Par Yo.russmo — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130468759