LGT Venture Philanthropy is pleased to renew its partnership with National Geographic Pristine Seas to help accelerate large-scale ocean protection ahead of the global 30x30 target. Through this collaboration, we will support efforts to establish large, highly protected marine areas that safeguard biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and support coastal communities. Together, we aim to help protect some of the world’s most vital and vulnerable ocean ecosystems before 2030.
Mumbai, India, May 2026 – LGT Venture Philanthropy Foundation (LGT VP) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Pristine Seas, a program of the National Geographic Society, to support its ambitious five-year strategy to accelerate marine protection ahead of 2030. Through this continued collaboration, LGT VP will support Pristine Seas in advancing its mission of establishing large, fully or highly protected marine protected areas (MPAs) across some of the world's last remaining intact ocean ecosystems. The partnership builds on Pristine Seas' unique ability to combine scientific exploration, economic analysis, and powerful storytelling to drive large-scale ocean protection. LGT VP's funding and strategic support will further enable Pristine Seas to scale its impact and accelerate progress toward the global goal of protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
Pristine Seas has pioneered a model that converts science and exploration into durable, govt-led ocean protection.
Established in 2008, Pristine Seas has worked with governments around the world to help designate 31 MPAs, covering over 6.9 million square kilometres of ocean under full or high levels of protection. The team's approach integrates scientific expeditions, filmmaking, and policy engagement to build both political will and public support for conservation. As ocean ecosystems face increasing pressure from global warming, overfishing, and habitat loss, Pristine Seas' work has become critical in safeguarding biodiversity, strengthening food security, and supporting climate resilience at scale.
Pristine Seas' new strategy aims to protect the last large, intact marine ecosystems before 2030.
With less than five years remaining to meet the global 30×30 target, Pristine Seas has identified 30 priority seascapes representing some of the most ecologically significant and vulnerable marine ecosystems on the planet. By protecting these areas, the organisation aims to bring an additional 3.6 million square kilometres of ocean under protection.
Oliver Karius, CEO and Partner of LGT Venture Philanthropy, explains: "Over the past years, we have seen Pristine Seas consistently translate science into large-scale, durable ocean protection. Their ability to work with governments, combined with their global influence, makes them one of the most effective organisations in advancing the 30×30 goal. As they enter this decisive phase, we are pleased to continue our partnership and support their efforts to protect the world's most critical marine ecosystems."
Enric Sala, Executive Director of Pristine Seas, echoes: "Protecting the ocean is one of the most urgent tasks of our time. This renewed commitment from LGT Venture Philanthropy gives us the power to accelerate our work, combining science, policy, and powerful filmmaking, to safeguard the planet's rarest and most important marine ecosystems. With the 30x30 deadline fast approaching, we are grateful for partners who are willing to make big investments in ocean protection."
National Geographic Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to protect vital places in the ocean through research, policy, and filmmaking. Since 2008, Pristine Seas has helped establish 31 marine protected areas, spanning more than 6.9 million square kilometres of ocean. Learn more at pristineseas.org
LGT Venture Philanthropy (LGT VP) is an independent charitable foundation established in 2007 with partners in Switzerland, Sub-Saharan Africa, and India. The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life of people facing disadvantages, contribute to healthy ecosystems, and build resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities. LGT VP focuses on strengthening the capabilities of locally rooted organisations that deliver effective, scalable solutions across health, education, and the environment contributing directly to the SDGs. For more information, please visit www.lgtvp.com.
Read the full press release here.