The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the project Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) has partnered with Global Fishing Watch (GFW) to enhance marine biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable ocean governance across the ASEAN region.
On 9 March 2025, ASEAN ENMAPS and GFW signed a Memorandum of Agreement, to collaborate on harnessing open-source technology, public maps, and datasets to track global fishing activities and on supporting the design and management of marine protected area (MPA) networks in the ASEAN ENMAPS 11 pilot sites. The MOA builds on a Letter of Agreement, which was formalised between ACB and GFW on 29 September 2023 to establish a foundation for joint project development, including information exchange, project development and implementation, capacity development, policy advocacy, and publication.
The collaboration leverages GFW’s tools and datasets to support ASEAN ENMAPS’ science-driven approach to MPA and MPA network management. GFW’s visualisation and data and analysis tools, open-source technology, and public datasets will enable ASEAN ENMAPS to conduct site profiling, strengthen MPA network planning, and support monitoring and decision-making processes.
Through GFW’s visualisation of relevant spatial data for MPAN design and by providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes, project stakeholders will then have a clearer understanding of MPAs and their role in sustaining marine ecosystems and livelihoods.
The ASEAN ENMAPS Project aims to improve MPA network management in key Large Marine Ecosystems across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It applies science-based approach in designing MPA networks for biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries. The project also aims to strengthen governance, build stakeholder capacities, promote knowledge sharing, and advance sustainable financing for long-term conservation. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme through the funding of the Global Environment Facility, and with ACB as the executing agency.
GFW, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in advancing ocean transparency and governance by providing open-access data, innovative analysis tools, and cutting-edge technology to monitor human activity at sea.
By making global fishing patterns more visible, this collaboration empowers decision-makers with scientific insights and evidence-based solutions to drive effective conservation strategies.
ASEAN ENMAPS and GFW pioneer a data-driven approach to ocean conservation, driven by their shared commitment to marine biodiversity protection and sustainable use of marine resources. This partnership then marks a significant step towards enhanced regional cooperation, stronger marine governance, and a more sustainable future for ASEAN’s marine ecosystems.
