PROTECTED AREAS
We protect surf ecosystems by creating well-managed protected areas in high priority coastal zones that overlap with high quality surf.
Save The Waves achieves long-term conservation goals and creates impact from the ground up through our two global programs: World Surfing Reserves (WSRs) and Surf Protected Area Networks (SPANs).
WORLD SURFING RESERVES
SURF PROTECTED AREA NETWORKS
RECENT NEWS IN PROTECTED AREAS
Behind the Scenes: Advocating for ‘State Surfing Reserves’ in California
How Save The Waves has been working hand-in-hand with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, to introduce and pass a bill that would help establish ‘Surfing Reserves’ along the California coastline.
Big Step Forward in the Azores: First “Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserve” on Graciosa Island
The first Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserve on Graciosa Island, Azores has been approved. This recognition constitutes a strategic measure for the protection and integrated management of the island’s surf breaks and natural resources.
New Global Guide Sets Best Practices for Protecting Surf Ecosystems
Three leading conservation organizations — Save The Waves Coalition, the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA), and Conservation International — have released the “Guide of Best Practices for Surf Ecosystem Conservation,” the most comprehensive global resource of its kind, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Value of a wave: Groundbreaking study confirms surfing brings in $194 million annually for Santa Cruz economy
A groundbreaking study reveals the economic contribution of Santa Cruz’s iconic surf breaks – and the serious threat of sea level rise to both waves and the local economy.
How Do We Create Protected Areas?
We use a combination of voluntary conservation agreements, economic incentives, coalition-building and regulatory frameworks to achieve this goal by creating individual Reserves (WSRS) and Networks (SPANS).
