In 2009, Dr Sylvia Earle, legendary marine scientist and explorer, won the TED prize: she was allowed one great wish, which would be supported by USD 100,000 and full access to the TED community’s depth of talent and expertise.
She wished for ‘Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of the planet’. This was the start of Mission Blue , a global alliance of individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection and preservation of a worldwide network of marine protected areas known as Hope Spots.
At each site, a nominated Hope Spot champion (sometimes champions) is responsible to drive awareness of the individuals and organisations working to protect that area, sharing their stories, challenges, victories and learnings.
In the case of the relaunched Quirimbas Archipelago Hope Spot, the new appointed Hope Spot champions are Oceans Without Borders’ Dr Tessa Hempson and Dr Mark Ziembicki.
At the heart of the programme is a core vision to achieve a goal of 30% official protection of our oceans by 2030.