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
San Miguel surf break protected with landmark creation of Baja California’s first state park
In a historic moment, the first state park in Baja California, Mexico was officially approved, providing long-lasting protection for the iconic San Miguel wave alongside 67 hectares of green space
Applications for ‘World Surfing Reserve’ Program Opens
World Surfing Reserves is our flagship program dedicated to protecting outstanding surf breaks. Application window is open April 8 – October 15, 2021.
Historic Milestone: 10,000-Acre Sanctuary Approved on Chile’s Central Coast
The Sanctuary encourages the protection of over 10,000 acres located on the central coast of Chile, including Topocalma and Puertocillo.
Noosa, Australia Officially Dedicated as 10th World Surfing Reserve
On Friday, February 21, Australia’s famous Noosa pointbreaks were officially dedicated as the 10th World Surfing Reserve.
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).