WILDOCEANS

WHO ARE WILDOCEANS?

As a programme of the WILDTRUST, WILDOCEANS champions inclusive, locally rooted solutions that conserve & restore ocean species and ecosystems, strengthen governance, and create lasting, tangible benefits for coastal communities who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. At the same time, we catalyse and contribute to national, regional, and global action, at scale.

Through strong science, strategic partnerships, and inclusive community development, WILDOCEANS delivers locally led, globally significant impact – advancing the 30x30 ocean conservation goal and broader climate action efforts, while building resilient systems for and with future generations.

WHY DO WE DO THIS?

Our uniquely African-led approach is grounded in the belief that ecological sustainability is only possible when paired with socio-economic development, especially in vulnerable coastal communities, where lasting marine conservation depends on both people & nature thriving together.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We deliver impactful projects on the ground in three interconnected focus areas:

SPACES
Conserving, restoring, and expanding the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems across the WIO region through support for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), other effective areas-based conservation measures (OECMs) and community-led marine management initiatives. This work is focused on the implementation of the 30x30 global target, both within African countries as well as on the High Seas.
SPECIES
Safeguarding and highlighting iconic and threatened marine life – including whales, sharks, rays, penguins, and turtles – through targeted research, monitoring, and conservation action to promote recovery and long-term abundance.
COMMUNITIES
Empowering & supporting coastal communities through connecting conservation to livelihoods, equity, & opportunity, so people not only protect and respect the ocean but also benefit from its health.

SO HOW DO WE DO THIS?

Grounded in trust, we co-create solutions with local communities and partners to ensure long-term relevance, equity, & access. We do this through livelihood and job creation projects, women- and youth-centred capacity building, ocean literacy and education, infrastructure development and co-management systems that unlock social license and build trust.

Locally led, community-driven – Grounded in trust, we co-create solutions with local communities and partners to ensure long-term relevance, equity, and access. We do this through livelihood and job creation projects, women- and youth-centred capacity building, ocean literacy and education, infrastructure development and co-management systems that unlock social license and build trust.
Youth as ocean champions – Our youth movements nurture the next generation of African conservation leaders, building knowledge, confidence, and a voice. Our youth-led activities are influencing policy, driving awareness, and mobilising action for ocean conservation.
Strengthening advocacy and governance – We partner with government and policymakers to reinforce institutional capacity, drive delivery on national and regional ocean commitments, while holding government and extractive industries accountable. Our influential resistance and activist campaigns have shifted national discourse and halted harmful activities.
Science and research excellence – Through robust scientific research, vessel-based monitoring, and spatial planning, we generate the evidence base needed to influence marine policy and conservation priorities.
Strong systems and sustainable financing – We pioneer scalable solutions for sustainable MPA financing and work with government and partners to secure long-term financing for marine conservation, supporting a shift to long-term viability and replicability.
Global collaboration, local impact – We collaborate with a wide-reaching network of researchers, partner organisations, policy actors, and donors to deliver impact rooted in local contexts.

WE ARE THE WILD.