Wave protection as an innovative marine conservation tool

On Wednesday, June 11, the event "Surf Ecosystem Conservation: An Innovative Approach to Protecting Nature and Expanding the Benefits of the Blue Economy," organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), together with Conservation International (CI), Save the Waves Coalition (STW), and the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA), as part of the UNOC 2025 events.

This session aimed to explore the global potential of surf ecosystem conservation as a tool for achieving SDG 14 goals related to ocean protection and sustainable use of ocean resources. The discussion focused on how local conservation efforts can be integrated with ocean-friendly activities, such as surfing, to generate sustainable environmental and socioeconomic benefits.

Scott Atkinson of Conservation International opened the day by highlighting how surf break conservation serves as a starting point for developing sustainable coastal economies. “Seventy-five percent of the world's surf breaks are located in areas of high biodiversity,” he noted.

Meryem Sghir of UNIDO explained how bioeconomy strategies complement the objectives of the blue economy. “Oceans provide nature-based services for coastal protection and are a primary source for different ways of life,” she said, also highlighting the value of the ocean economy with its corresponding upward projection for 2030.

During the panel discussion, Carolina Butrich of the SPDA highlighted the example of Peru, a pioneer in the legal protection of surf breaks with 47 waves protected in less than ten years. “What does this mean? It means having formal and effective regulations to protect surf breaks from threats. It means involving the authorities and sanctioning those who do not respect this,” she added.

She also considered the possibility of applying the Peruvian model in other countries. Although “the first step is to consider the legal framework” and “there are many examples and tools for protecting waves and their environments,” considering one or a combination of several of these, we must recognize the key role of people and the necessary mobilization. “Surfing mobilizes different actors and perspectives,” she said.

Cynthia Céspedes, from Conservation International Peru, mentioned two emblematic examples with two complementary forms of conservation. “By integrating these protection systems, such as San Gallan (National Reserve) or Cabo Blanco (wave protected under the breakwater law), there is enormous potential for conservation,” she explained.

On the other hand, Laura Zumbado (STW) highlighted the importance of actively involving communities and key actors in conservation processes. She gave the example of Puerto Escondido in Mexico and added that “communities are at the center of conservation. They mobilize, but institutions must also act.”

Zumbado highlighted “surfing as a powerful economic mobilizer,” pointing out the importance of integrating local actors with, for example, film festivals. Tatiana Villalobos added, “The approach through the management of surfing ecosystems and the blue economy provides an opportunity to integrate different key actors.”

Finally, Thomas Hammond of UNIDO highlighted the role of the bioeconomy in restoring coastal ecosystems. “Surf ecosystems are unique in many ways,” he said, emphasizing their environmental distinctiveness.

Thus, the event organized by UNIDO promoted new forms of marine management, showed real opportunities for sustainable coastal economies through examples, and fostered partnerships to expand the conservation of surf ecosystems as a tool to address global challenges.