{"id":769099,"date":"2025-10-28T19:49:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T02:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/?post_type=arcnews&p=769099"},"modified":"2025-10-28T19:49:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T02:49:32","slug":"empowering-conservation-through-community-and-collaboration","status":"publish","type":"arcnews","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/empowering-conservation-through-community-and-collaboration","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Conservation Through Community and Collaboration"},"author":5752,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"sync_status":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","castos_file_data":"","podmotor_file_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[275822,1041,15412],"tags":[475822,463881,479112,475012,1171],"arcnews_issues":[493219],"class_list":["post-769099","arcnews","type-arcnews","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-arcgis-living-atlas-of-the-world","category-collaboration","category-oceans","tag-geographic-approach","tag-marine-conservation","tag-marine-protected-areas","tag-ocean-mapping","tag-open-data","arcnews_issues-fall-2025","arcnews_sections-esri-technology"],"acf":{"short_description":"ProtectedSeas, a pioneering project that maps and shares global ocean protection data, is now part of ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World.","pdf":{"host_remotely":false,"file":"","file_url":""},"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"As the conservation landscape evolves and the world grows more connected, it has never been more important for data to be accessible, reliable, and comprehensive. This year, a significant addition to ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World made waves: ProtectedSeas, a pioneering project committed to mapping and sharing global ocean protection data, is now part of this influential geographic resource.\r\n\r\nThis exciting collaboration not only elevates the visibility of vital data on marine protected areas (MPAs) but also underscores the transformative power of community-provided content, expert curation, and the far-reaching benefits of making these resources available to all."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":769100,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

A Formidable Collaborative Initiative<\/h2>\r\nProtectedSeas is more than a dataset; it is an ambitious, collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing understanding and stewardship of the planet\u2019s marine environments. By providing detailed, standardized, and up-to-date information on MPAs and their regulations, ProtectedSeas empowers decision-makers, researchers, coastal communities, and advocates worldwide.\r\n\r\nProtectedSeas\u2019 contributions to ArcGIS Living Atlas\u2014the world\u2019s largest authoritative collection of curated geographic information\u2014marks a major milestone in the quest for healthy oceans."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Strengthened Marine Conservation Offerings<\/h2>\r\nAt its core, ArcGIS Living Atlas is a dynamic repository of geographic knowledge. It brings together authoritative maps, layers, apps, and datasets from a worldwide network of contributors.\r\n\r\nArcGIS Living Atlas thrives on collaboration and community. It draws from government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academics, researchers, and passionate individuals who provide rich, trustworthy, authoritative data to millions of users every year.\r\n\r\nBy adding data from ProtectedSeas, ArcGIS Living Atlas strengthens its marine conservation offerings. Users can now explore up-to-date spatial representations of MPAs, complete with legal regulations and management information. This integration means that policymakers, educators, and explorers have seamless access to crucial data that can inform research, drive action, and inspire stewardship."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

A Vibrant Network of Contributors<\/h2>\r\nProtectedSeas\u2019 journey to ArcGIS Living Atlas is a testament to how important community-provided content is to understanding what\u2019s happening around the globe today.\r\n\r\nGeographic data is never static; it grows, shifts, and refines as the world evolves. ArcGIS Living Atlas relies on a vibrant network of contributors to ensure that its collection remains relevant and robust. Community-provided content, like that from ProtectedSeas, brings local expertise, fresh perspectives, and real-world insight that centralized data sources alone can\u2019t match."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":769101,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"The model of open contribution that ArcGIS Living Atlas relies on also fosters a spirit of shared responsibility. When communities, organizations, and individuals add and refine data, they become invested in its accuracy and impact.\r\n\r\nIn the case of ProtectedSeas, the organization\u2019s firsthand knowledge and ongoing engagement with marine protection efforts ensure that the information it provides is both current and deeply informed by those closest to the issues."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Rigorous Curation Ensures Quality<\/h2>\r\nThe value of any dataset lies in not only its breadth but also its reliability and usability. ArcGIS Living Atlas is known for its rigorous curation: Every contribution is reviewed, validated, and enhanced to meet high standards of quality. This process ensures that users\u2014from scientists to students\u2014can trust the data they find.\r\n\r\nProtectedSeas\u2019 inclusion in ArcGIS Living Atlas ensures that the project\u2019s meticulous research is bolstered by the ArcGIS Living Atlas team\u2019s commitment to excellence. ProtectedSeas doesn\u2019t simply upload data that could easily be forgotten; the ArcGIS Living Atlas team integrates, visualizes, and updates the organization\u2019s datasets to reflect the latest developments in marine protection policy and practice. The result is a resource that is both comprehensive and actionable."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Wide Availability Democratizes Data<\/h2>\r\nPerhaps the most profound outcome of this collaboration is that high-quality ocean protection data is now available to the public. Anyone, anywhere can access and use ProtectedSeas\u2019 datasets. Whether you are a scientist tracking biodiversity, a student learning about oceanography, a policymaker drafting new regulations, or a concerned resident advocating for your local coastline, you have authoritative, up-to-date information from ProtectedSeas available at your fingertips in ArcGIS Living Atlas.\r\n\r\nThis high-use, open-access model democratizes data. It bridges the gap between knowledge and action, making it possible for communities around the world to participate in decision-making and advocacy. The widespread availability of ProtectedSeas\u2019 data means that marine conservation efforts can be more informed, more inclusive, and ultimately, more successful."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":769102,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Real-World Uses of the Data<\/h2>\r\nHaving ProtectedSeas\u2019 data in ArcGIS Living Atlas is already making a difference. Researchers leverage these layers to identify gaps in protection, assess compliance with international agreements, and track conservation outcomes. Coastal planners and local governments use the data to align new developments with ecological priorities. Educators employ the data to bring the ocean to life in classrooms. And NGOs use the maps to engage with the public and advocate for stronger protection of the world\u2019s oceans.\r\n\r\nMoreover, the integration of ProtectedSeas\u2019 data into ArcGIS Living Atlas facilitates cross-sector collaboration. Conservationists, scientists, policymakers, and the public can all start from the same trusted information, building partnerships and strategies that are grounded in shared facts."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

A Tool that Grows in Value and Utility<\/h2>\r\nAdding ProtectedSeas\u2019 data to ArcGIS Living Atlas is more than a technical upgrade; it is a symbol of the possibilities when communities, experts, and technology collaborate. As more organizations contribute their knowledge to ArcGIS Living Atlas, and as curation continues to ensure the quality of this data, the tool will only grow in its value and utility.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the ArcGIS Living Atlas team expects to engage in more collaboration, receive richer datasets, and make a deeper impact. ProtectedSeas\u2019 contributions will undoubtedly inspire others to share their data with ArcGIS Living Atlas, knowing it is a platform where data not only lives but also thrives\u2014and constantly evolves to meet the challenges of a changing world."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Charting a Course Together<\/h2>\r\nThe oceans connect everyone around the world, and protecting them requires communities of all sizes to work together. Integrating ProtectedSeas\u2019 data into ArcGIS Living Atlas is a powerful example of how open, curated, and community-driven content can drive positive change. By making high-use, high-quality data available to everyone, people everywhere are empowered to understand, protect, and celebrate our blue planet.\r\n\r\nAs you explore the new marine protection layers<\/a> in ArcGIS Living Atlas, remember that every map tells a story, and every story has the power to inspire action. Let\u2019s continue to build, share, and steward the world\u2019s knowledge, together."}],"references":null},"yoast_head":"\nEmpowering Conservation Through Community and Collaboration | Fall 2025 | ArcNews<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"ProtectedSeas, a pioneering project that maps and shares global ocean protection data, is now part of ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/empowering-conservation-through-community-and-collaboration\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Empowering Conservation Through Community and Collaboration | Fall 2025 | ArcNews\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"ProtectedSeas, a pioneering project that maps and shares global 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