Protecting coastal waters may be the best investment you’ve never heard of, says Kristin Rechberger.
In this interview, Kristin Rechberger—founder of Dynamic Planet and a Mongabay board member—discusses Revive Our Ocean, a new initiative empowering coastal communities to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) that benefit both nature and livelihoods.
With only 3% of the ocean fully protected and the 2030 “30×30” target looming, Rechberger argues that waiting on governments isn’t enough; community-led efforts are crucial to scaling marine conservation rapidly and equitably.
Drawing on a decade of experience creating large offshore marine reserves, Rechberger is now focusing on coastal regions where local communities have a direct stake in healthy seas—but often lack the legal authority, tools, or support to act.
She emphasizes that marine protection is not only ecologically effective but economically smart, citing examples like Spain’s Medes Islands Reserve and Mexico’s booming dive tourism as models for prosperity through conservation.
