Beyond
the surface
About the programme
Beyond the Surface is an Economist Impact research programme, supported by Blancpain, that explores the factors that deliver success for MPAs and other marine conservation areas. It provides data points, insights, video snapshots and scorecard assessments on selected MPAs and marine conservation areas, highlighting the marine protection practices that are working well and those that can be improved.
Economist Impact assessed ten diverse MPAs and marine conservation areas using an innovative evaluation framework which identifies the factors contributing to their effectiveness, from their inception and design to their management and implementation and, ultimately, their outcomes. Looking at both the achievements and opportunities, the research identifies best-practice methods that protect the environment while delivering economic viability for local communities and businesses.
The research was produced by a team at Economist Impact, including:
Matus Samel
Project advisor
Dina Alborno
Project director
Shubhangi Pandey
Project manager
Eddie Milev
Analyst
As part of the programme, Economist Impact convened an Advisory Board of ocean experts to share their insights. We would like to thank the following experts for their time and valuable input:
Octavio Aburto-Oropeza
Full professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Dr Jeff Ardron
Adviser, Ocean Governance, The Commonwealth Secretariat
Sarah Bedolfe
Marine scientist, Oceana
Dr John Joaquín Bohórquez
Research associate, Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Ian Campbell
Associate director of policy and campaigns, PADI AWARE Foundation
Maria Damanaki
Independent adviser on Climate-Oceans
Mario Gómez
Director, Beta Diversidad
Emanuel J. Gonçalves
Chief scientist and member of the board, Oceano Azul Foundation; researcher and associate professor, MARE-ISPA
Han Han
Founder and executive director, China Blue Sustainability Institute
Zandile Ndhlovu
Founder, The Black Mermaid Foundation
Carol Phua
WWF, Coral Reef Rescue Initiative
Mahesh Pradhan
Coordinator, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia, United Nations Environment Programme
Dr Anna von Rebay
Chief executive officer, Ocean Vision Legal